Comic books anyone?

[mrsimperless]

I'm sure this has already been mentioned here as most of you people are complete toolbags, but who here enjoys reading comic books? I have by no means been a lifelong fan, but I used to read them back in the day. I was never a fan of the super hero genre, but I own all of the Shogun Warrior comics, and a lot of Transformers and 80's GI Joe comics as well. (With some Spider Ham thrown in for good measure)

Now recently I was talking with this nerd at work and he got me to reading Y: The Last Man. He told me that "comics have really matured" and "It's not just some kiddy crap, you'll like it!" I didn't believe him buhh.... Some really entertaining and worthwhile stuff here!

Then I asked him about more stuff and he turned me on to Fables, Powers, Black Hole and Watchmen. Then I heard about Maus (not really a comic, but a graphic novel) and loved that as well. Now, most of the titles I've mentioned are for mature audiences and they're not for the kiddies (especially Black Hole! No more penis pictures please!!) But I've gotten so crazy about this newer stuff that I even bought my daughter the first book of Bone, which contains the first year or so of the comics and she really loves it. (Cmon, I'm a good dad. It's nothing like it sounds. Back off HA) In fact, most of the comics have complete episodes available in graphic novel format.

I'd have to say that out of all of them, I'm completely addicted to Powers. Not only is it one of the best comics I've ever read, but it's one of the greatest stories in written media that I've had the pleasure of experiencing.

Here are some synopsis (synopSEES?) of some of the ones I've mentioned above:

Powers - Tells the story of a detective who investigates murders involving those people in his city who have super powers. He just happens to have been a superhero previously himself. Very creative and very original writing. Witty dialogue and a great story! If you read no other "new" comics, read this one!

Fables - Fairy tale characters come to life in modern day NYC after being driven out of their homeland. Snow White is the mayor and the Big Bad Wolf is the sherriff. (I can't even spell the word correctly anymore, thanks a LOT Darkiller...) Lots of funny and interesting stuff.

Maus - A Jewish son interviews his father about the Nazi oppression and his time in Auschwitz during WWII. The Jews are portrayed by mice, the Germans by cats, the polish by pigs and the Americans by dogs. A classic graphic novel and from what I hear one of the most renowned.

Black Hole - Teenagers become infected by an STD which causes them physical deformities of various and a sometimes brutal nature. Very graphic but a good read.

Y: The Last Man - A disease kills every man on earth except for one guy and his monkey. Seriously. Not all is fun and games as you'd think for the guy, though, and it explores gender issues I wouldn't touch. Loved it.

These are just some of the comics that I've been enjoying lately, but I hope to find more. I never knew being a geek could be so much fun! (well.... yes I did....)

Anyone else have anything to recommend?

[hukarez]

Get yourself a copy of "Squadron Supreme" too. Read that before you pick up on any of the "Supreme Power" TPBs.

I PM'd you a couple more other series and writers (Brian K Vaughn, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, etc), but I'd also suggest "The Walking Dead".

[WVUFAN]

Get yourself a copy of "Squadron Supreme" too. Read that before you pick up on any of the "Supreme Power" TPBs.

I PM'd you a couple more other series and writers (Brian K Vaughn, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, etc), but I'd also suggest "The Walking Dead".
I was about to suggest Supreme Power as well. Good stuff.

Along with Walking Dead, another good comic by the same author is "Invincible", which is worth picking up the hardcover -- it's on sale right now on Amazon.

EDIT: for those that are interested, backissues can be read of Powers for free:

http://comics.newsarama.com/powers/

[Honolulu_Blue]

Get yourself a copy of "Squadron Supreme" too. Read that before you pick up on any of the "Supreme Power" TPBs.

I PM'd you a couple more other series and writers (Brian K Vaughn, Warren Ellis, Garth Ennis, etc), but I'd also suggest "The Walking Dead".

I reckon the list below was covered by the PM, but I'll share for everyone.

I've been going through a bit of comic book renaissance over the past few years. I was really big into them when I was in highschool. I collected for about 4 years or so (88-92) and then stopped for the most part. About 4-5 years ago I started re-discovering comics, mainly through TPBs and the like. I don't have the time (or money) to collect single issues anymore, so I sort of sit back and wait for the interesting stuff to come out. I'm always interested in hearing what else of quality is out there. So...

I'd second (or perhaps third) the Squadron Supreme and Supreme Powers books. Both are quite good. I also liked this guy's Rising Stars. Well, at least the first TPB. It lost quite a bit of steam in the second and third came out years later and I haven't read it yet.

I also enjoy Walking Dead quite a bit as well. I loves me some zombies.

Other good series include:

Preacher by Garth Ennis. It's definitely for mature readers as it's pretty over-the-top in pretty much every way shape or form. If certain folks were upset by the "Divinci Code", they'd flip their fucking lids if they read "Preacher." Seriously. It has good characters. It looses its way a bit in the middle, but the it's worth reading the entire series. The entire run is available in TPB.

Transmetropolitan by Warren Ellis. It's about a journalist, Spider Jerusalem, in a dystopian future (that has surprising parallels to our present). Spider is an amazing character and it's a great run. The city and surroundings he's in are incredibly vibrant and you can spend minutes studying each frame to see what's going on. It's a little less "mature" than Preacher, but has its fair share of violence, etc. The entire run is available on TPB.

Hellblazer by various. This series is what that mediocare Keanu Reeves movie "Constantine" was based on. The comics are much, much better. There are tons of TPBs available. It's an on-going series with various authors and artists doing work so the quality varies. Garth Ennis has had a few runs, all of which are great. Constantine is a great character and a lot of the stories are interesting. I'd reccommend most of them.

Top Ten by Alan Moore. While this is techincally a superhero book, it's wildly different than your typical fare. It's sort of a "Hill Street Blues" set in a massive city full of superheros, aliens, robots, gods, etc. The book focuses on the cops in this city where, after WW II, all countries "banished" their superheroes et al. too. Sadly it was a short run with only 12 (I think) issues printed. All issues are contained in two TPBs. It's really some of the best stuff I've read in a while.

League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore. Both books are great. The movie is an abomination. They are fantastic reads and well worth picking up. I wont mention Watchmen here because it's pretty much a given that it should (must) be read. Obviously the other Moore stuff, such as V For Vendetta and From Hell are worth a read.

The Light Brigade by ??. This isn't a series, but sort of a "one shot" (perhaps originally a mini-series) if you will. It's a bout a squad of American soldiers in WW II who get tangled up in this struggle with Angels and devils and such. It's a decent read. Some very cool characters and it builds a decent mythos. A nice, climatic finish as well.

That's all I can think of at the moment...

[kurtism]

I'll add in a few faves as well as echoing the fans of Powers, Hellblazer, Preacher, Bone, and Y.

Other great books, more or less outside the "capes and tights" mainstream, include (in no particular order):

Current ongoing series:

100 Bullets: Currently my favorite book out there, it is best read in the trade formats. Starts with a mysterious older man in a black suit who offers a briefcase filled with an untraceable gun, 100 untraceable bullets, and evidence implicating the person that ruined your life. From this revenge fantasy beginning, the story has grown into an excellent modern noir with heavy conspiracy elements. Great art, great dialogue, and an amazing mystery with clues placed throughout the story. Issue 75 (of a planned 100) is out now, and new trades come out fairly regularly.

Ex Machina: By the same writer who does Y, this follows the political career of independent New York Mayor Mitchell Hundred, who also happens to be the former superhero "The Great Machine." Amazing art by Tony Harris, and the writing is every bit as strong as that in Y.

Older books (the run is already finished on these):

Sandman: Neil Gaiman's masterpiece, a 75 issue tragedy (in the Shakespearian/classic sense) telling the story of the living embodiment of dreams and his ageless family. Horror, fantasy, and all-around great storytelling. Easily in my top 5 of all-time series. All the books have been collected for ease of reading.

Sleeper: By Ed Brubaker and Sean Phillips. Follows the story of a deep undercover agent; the agent is so deep under, in fact, that only one person knows he isn't a criminal - and that person happens to be in a coma. Collected in 4 trade paperbacks (Season I and Season II, two volumes each), the story is really excellent, and IMO better than even the fine work Brubaker has turned in for the big two companies on the superhero books.

Starman: My favorite superhero title, bar none. The run by James Robinson, with art chores originally handled by current Ex Machina artist Tony Harris, this tracks the career of reluctant hero Jack Knight, son of DC's original Golden Age Starman. Great art, and an amazing story about fathers and sons and what it really means to be a hero. Jack Knight is easily my favorite character in the DCU. Most of the series has been collected, and while there are issues missing, you can get the best part of the story from the various collections.

I'm sure I'll think of others later, but these are definitely at the top of my list.

[hukarez]

I'd second (or perhaps third) the Squadron Supreme and Supreme Powers books. Both are quite good. I also liked this guy's Rising Stars. Well, at least the first TPB. It lost quite a bit of steam in the second and third came out years later and I haven't read it yet.

3rd volume of Rising Stars was...interesting. I wouldn't say it had the impact the first couple of volumes, but if it's closure you're looking for, I'm pretty sure Volume 3 would provide it.

On a side note, since we're on Straczynski, another pickup to look into would be Midnight Nation.

I found that book to be quite enjoyable.

[kiwiLB57]

Funny this comes up. I have just decided that I need to read a regular comic. I dont know why I have decided this, but I have. Being newly arrived in the land of its creation, I have picked up a couple of progs of 2000 AD. Loving it.

I am the law.

[Thomkal]

For me, Astro City by Kurt Busiek is my favorite currently running series. He's created a city and a history around it with the addition of superheroes/villains. The stories aren't just straight superhero fare, you learn about the people behind the masks more than see them in action. And with each arc you learn a little more about the city and its history. The art, by Brent Anderson is really good as well, adding to the quality of the series overall.

The problem with Astro City has been its intermittent publishing schedule due to Busiek's other committments and (I believe) health problems at one point. Most if not all of the earlier stories have been collected in graphic novel form though, and probably can be read out of order without much confusion.

[hukarez]

For me, Astro City by Kurt Busiek is my favorite currently running series. He's created a city and a history around it with the addition of superheroes/villains. The stories aren't just straight superhero fare, you learn about the people behind the masks more than see them in action. And with each arc you learn a little more about the city and its history. The art, by Brent Anderson is really good as well, adding to the quality of the series overall.

The problem with Astro City has been its intermittent publishing schedule due to Busiek's other committments and (I believe) health problems at one point. Most if not all of the earlier stories have been collected in graphic novel form though, and probably can be read out of order without much confusion.

Busiek's doing a good run on the Conan books. :)

[Raiders Army]

I'd echo the sentiments about:

Y: The Last Man. It's a great read and the TPBs are reasonably cheap. I picked up volume 7 (?) while I was in KC but I left it in my motel room when I checked out yesterday.

Preacher. Anything by Garth Ennis is gold. I like him far better than any other writer out there. The Punisher under Marvel's Max line is great.

The Walking Dead. This is a pretty good series, but it comes out pretty sporadically. There was a huge pause after issue 24.

Astonishing X-Men. Forget Ultimate, Uncanny, or any other X-comic. This is written by Joss Whedon (Buffy, Firefly) and is a great book.

Identity Crisis was good as a self-contained read while Infinite Crisis was not. Civil War is somewhat blah.

[FrogMan]

I was about to suggest Supreme Power as well. Good stuff.

Along with Walking Dead, another good comic by the same author is "Invincible", which is worth picking up the hardcover -- it's on sale right now on Amazon.

EDIT: for those that are interested, backissues can be read of Powers for free:

http://comics.newsarama.com/powers/


reviving an old thread here...

I follow and enjoy NBC's Heroes very much but I have never read any comics in my youth, at least no "American" superheros comics. My youth was filled with more European comics, the likes of Asterix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterix), Tintin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Tintin), and Spirou et Fantasio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirou_et_Fantasio) because, well, I learned English later in life. My first Tintins were actually hand me downs from my dad and uncles that I had found in the basement of my grandmother's house. :)

Now, seeing the link from Heroes to Watchmen (yeah, I'd never heard of Watchmen before, I live in a cave ;)), I got curious and found this thread here. Watchmen is now definitely in my "to buy" list but I just read the first 25 pages or so of Powers and wow, that's nice reading. Thanks for the link WVUFAN!

I had already spotted Rising Stars and Y: The Last Man as possible buys but this thread has simply confirmed this.

Thanks for all the ideas, if you have others, I'm listening.

FM

[law90026]

Try Fables, it's very very well written and there are 8 TPB's out that I'm aware of.

Deus Ex Machina is quite good as well.

[hukarez]

From what my buddy tells me, there's a Watchmen movie that's going to be in the works.

As for TPBs, lately I've been grabbing Seven Soldiers of Victory (3 volumes so far? Not sure if they're continuing) as well as Garth Ennis' Punisher runs (at 6 volumes right now).

I only subscribe to 2 issues - Runaways and Young Avengers, while everything else I grab up via TPB.

[JeeberD]

My youth was filled with more European comics, the likes of Asterix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asterix), Tintin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Adventures_of_Tintin), and Spirou et Fantasio (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirou_et_Fantasio) because, well, I learned English later in life. My first Tintins were actually hand me downs from my dad and uncles that I had found in the basement of my grandmother's house. :)




http://www.gifmaniacos.com/Asterix/asterix01.gif
http://images.gograph.com/Images-9921/AnimatedGif/obelix01.gif

I actually have a HUGE stack of Asterix books somewhere in my parents house from back when we lived in Germany. There are also at least a couple of Tintin books in there as well.

Man, the roast boar always looked so damn good, I always wanted to try one...

[FrogMan]

http://www.gifmaniacos.com/Asterix/asterix01.gif
http://images.gograph.com/Images-9921/AnimatedGif/obelix01.gif

I actually have a HUGE stack of Asterix books somewhere in my parents house from back when we lived in Germany. There are also at least a couple of Tintin books in there as well.

Man, the roast boar always looked so damn good, I always wanted to try one...

Jeebs, you never cease to amaze me. From drinking Unibroue beer to reading Asterix and Tintin, you're one cool dude. :) You been in Europe in your youth if I remember corrrectly, right? Must be where you got those Asterix from.

Asterix is my favorite from my youth, no contest. Funny thing is I never owned one, was always borrowing them from my uncles' and dad's old collection. A couple years ago, I started buying a few here and there and made it known I'd like to have the whole collection someday. I think I have like 10 or so in a box. I think I'll get back to maybe buying one a month or something like that...

And yeah, the roast boar just look so tasty... :D

FM

edit: doh, read afterwards about Germany, thought I'd dreamed it up :)

[Drake]

I heard somewhere that Captain America was killed by a sniper. Is that true?

[JeeberD]

Yup, I lived in Germany when I was a kid... :)

Man, after reading over the Wiki entry I really need to find those books and read them again. There's probably tons of humor that I missed or just plain didn't get as a kid. Hell, I never even caught "Getafix" back then. I need to see if I can find the books at my parents house, or else go and see if I can pick up some old issues...

[MikeVic]

Try Fables, it's very very well written and there are 8 TPB's out that I'm aware of.

Deus Ex Machina is quite good as well.

Do you mean Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan?

[lordscarlet]

I think 100 Bullets is pretty good as well.

[cuervo72]

I think 100 Bullets is pretty good as well.

Hrm, someone recommended that to me just the other day (fellow FOFCer...). Someone else recommended Fables, and I'm a couple chapters into the first TPB.

[FrogMan]

Do you mean Ex Machina, by Brian K. Vaughan?


Ex Machina is very much on my radar screen, seems very interesting.

FM

[FrogMan]

I think 100 Bullets is pretty good as well.

I'd missed Kurtism's snippet about it and after reading it and other reviews out there, I agree that it looks interesting. One more on the list. I won't buy all of them up front, but I'm keeping a list of what seems interesting so I can be on the lookout. :)

FM

[cthomer5000]

I don't read anything regularly, but i'm looking forward to the Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 stuff (continues where the TV show left off). Yes, Im a fan of Buffy. deal with it.

[cuervo72]

Oh yeah duh - he's the one who recommended it to me. I missed it up there too. :D

[WVUFAN]

I don't read anything regularly, but i'm looking forward to the Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 stuff (continues where the TV show left off). Yes, Im a fan of Buffy. deal with it.

I'm actually reading that now (picked it up today). Good stuff. You can definitely tell it's Whedon doing the writing on it.

[WVUFAN]

From what my buddy tells me, there's a Watchmen movie that's going to be in the works.

There's a test image done by Zach Snider for the upcoming Watchmen movie hidden in the R-Rated 300 trailer:

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/rorshach_badge_sm.jpg

[FrogMan]

speaking of Ex Machina, I just downloaded issue #1 from the comic's page on dccomics:
http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2500

FM

[FrogMan]

okay, I thought I had seen a comic books section to my local bookstores but a trip there last evening reminded me of one thing: it really sucks to be into things in English in French speaking Quebec... sigh.

They had just about NOTHING! Or at least nothing of interest to me. Tons of manga stuff, tons of european stuff, all in French... I saw three copies of the Marvel Encyclopedia, so not really a comic book per se, and 3-4 copies of three different Playboy comic books. Playboy? oh well :D

Anyway, snowed in and unable to go to karate this morning, I went online shopping and was very surprised to see that indigo.ca had a bunch of the ones I was interested in, all shipping in 24 hours and all at reasonable prices with free shipping when over 39$cdn. (MikeVic, you should check them out, chapters.indigo.ca (http://chapters.indigo.ca)).

Anyway, after much mulling over which one to get without spending like $450, I went with two separate orders. First, from indigo I'll be getting Watchmen and the first hardcover collection of Powers (issues 1-24). Both are already sowing "awaiting shipment" in the order status page.

I then went to amazon.ca and ordered the Rising Stars hardcover that has the whole series, including the preludes. That one is supposed to ship only in 5-8 weeks though, but I'll take it when it gets to me. :)

Thanks for the input guys, as always FOFC is there when you need info. :)

FM

[FrogMan]

I only subscribe to 2 issues - Runaways and Young Avengers, while everything else I grab up via TPB.

I read a bit about Runaways, how is it? I assume it's good since you subscribe to it but I'd be interested in hearing about it...

FM

[hukarez]

I read a bit about Runaways, how is it? I assume it's good since you subscribe to it but I'd be interested in hearing about it...

FM

Now I'm not quite so sure how much validity this statement I'll type up has, but when I first heard about BKV's Runaways, some of the locals at the comic shops here in San Diego were telling me that "...reading the Runaways will show you why California, or the west coast in general, isn't really mentioned much in the Marvel universe in general!".

Naturally, I was a bit curious, so I ended up picking up the miniature TPBs of the first release of the Runaways, which was only a certain amount of issues. It's a simple story of a bunch of kids, whose parents are pretty much supervillains who've ruled California with an iron fist.

I always liked the underdog heroes (the 'C' rated heroes, so to speak) getting some good representation, kind of like how Fabian Nicieza always showed the 'background' heroes and villains some love in his books, and when Cloak & Dagger did an impromptu appearance, I just kept on reading.

Also, BKV used to frequent a comic book shop here in San Diego - Comickaze, off Balboa, and signed off a bunch of his TPBs there. I caught him in passing on the way out, and had to pause for a moment before figuring it out. Apparently, his girlfriend was going to grad school either at UCSD or USD from what I was told. The funny thing about it, is that further down the street was another comic shop that my buddy and I went off towards, and for a moment we had thought BKV was following us around from shop to shop.

I'm personally still waiting for a sequel to The Hood! :D

[MikeVic]

okay, I thought I had seen a comic books section to my local bookstores but a trip there last evening reminded me of one thing: it really sucks to be into things in English in French speaking Quebec... sigh.

They had just about NOTHING! Or at least nothing of interest to me. Tons of manga stuff, tons of european stuff, all in French... I saw three copies of the Marvel Encyclopedia, so not really a comic book per se, and 3-4 copies of three different Playboy comic books. Playboy? oh well :D

Anyway, snowed in and unable to go to karate this morning, I went online shopping and was very surprised to see that indigo.ca had a bunch of the ones I was interested in, all shipping in 24 hours and all at reasonable prices with free shipping when over 39$cdn. (MikeVic, you should check them out, chapters.indigo.ca (http://chapters.indigo.ca)).

Anyway, after much mulling over which one to get without spending like $450, I went with two separate orders. First, from indigo I'll be getting Watchmen and the first hardcover collection of Powers (issues 1-24). Both are already sowing "awaiting shipment" in the order status page.

I then went to amazon.ca and ordered the Rising Stars hardcover that has the whole series, including the preludes. That one is supposed to ship only in 5-8 weeks though, but I'll take it when it gets to me. :)

Thanks for the input guys, as always FOFC is there when you need info. :)

FM

Thanks FM! I want to stop buying so many monthlies, so this looks like a viable option.

[FrogMan]

yeah, while they are still a generalish bookstore, I'm impressed by the many TPB they carry in stock. Since I've got much catching up to do, I'll probably only buy TPBs anyway.

If you don't mind me asking, where do you currently get your comics from, a local shop or somewhere online?

FM

[lordscarlet]

Local shop for me. I should switch to getting more TPBs myself.

[lordscarlet]

Dola: hxxp://www.bigmonkeycomics.com

[FrogMan]

speaking of Ex Machina, I just downloaded issue #1 from the comic's page on dccomics:
http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2500

FM

finished reading that first issue yesterday and it's definitely the kind of thing I'll want more of in the future. Very interesting, even if the pdf format is definitely not the best when they keep going back and forth with flashbacks and such.

My copies of Watchmen and the first Powers HC have left the store and should get to me within a week or about.

Since my last order of Rising Stars, I've also placed an order for the Hellblazer Original Sins TPB. Sue me but I actually liked the Keanu Reaves movie, probably way more for the back story than for the acting. Never guessed until I started reading this thread that it was based on a comic series.

Another one I've not seen mentionned here and that I've found on my own is a manga called Blade of the Immortal. I'm not very much into manga but I love me some martial arts action and that one's got my curiosity piqued. Here's the description from indigo.ca: " To end his eternal suffering, he must slay one thousand enemies! Manji, a ronin warrior of feudal Japan, has been cursed with immortality. To rid himself of this curse and end his life of misery, he must slay one thousand evil men! His quest begins when a young girl seeks his help in taking revenge on her parents' killers...and his quest won't end until the blood of a thousand has been spilled.".

I've seen many manag now publish in the unflopped right-to-left version and would not be able to read that way. From wikipedia, it appears that Blade of the Immortal is the one of the last to still be published flopped with some cut and pasting of panels...

FM</I></B>

[MikeVic]

I currently get mine at a local shop... called Comics America. I want to start buying more TPBs online though.

[lordscarlet]

I am very lame and no little to nothing about TPBs. Can I expect most books to make it to a TPB or only the real popular ones? I would like to thin out my subscription list and move to TPBs for a lot of them.

[FrogMan]

for the last week, my source of information for just about anything comics has been this site:
http://www.comicbookdb.com/

Pretty much an IMDB for comic books. Pretty expansive... They will list you all the TPBs and usually what they collect...

FM

[cuervo72]

Finished the first volume of Fables last night, give it the thumbs up. I'll be getting more in the series.

Also, I'm pleased to find out that 52 has two volumes out soon - I didn't know it would be available this quickly. I'll probably look to pick those up too.

edit: jumped the gun a little on '52'

[Thomkal]

Hmmm I thought 52 wasn't supposed to have TPB's out until the series was finished? Guess they changed their minds.

[lordscarlet]

for the last week, my source of information for just about anything comics has been this site:
http://www.comicbookdb.com/

Pretty much an IMDB for comic books. Pretty expansive... They will list you all the TPBs and usually what they collect...

FM

I am way behind on entering my stuff (probably 100 issues or more), but I have all my comics listed there. http://comicbookdb.com/collection.php?ID=2554

Finished the first volume of Fables last night, give it the thumbs up. I'll be getting more in the series.

Also, I'm pleased to find out that 52 has two volumes out soon - I didn't know it would be available this quickly. I'll probably look to pick those up too.

edit: jumped the gun a little on '52'

I have all of the 52s thus far.

Hmmm I thought 52 wasn't supposed to have TPB's out until the series was finished? Guess they changed their minds.

52 is done very soon. :) So I assume "two volumes out soon" probably means "when the series is complete". They're somewhere between 48-50.. I can't remember exactly what number.

[cuervo72]

Looks like May/July for the first two (I mistakenly thought they were out already as they were on their site, Thomkal might have read my pre-edit post). I guess that's going to be right after it (on 46 now?). But it's much better than the year or so I'd heard speculated (by Mali at the least).

[Thomkal]

Ah thanks for the explanations. I was expecting them to come out soon after the series was over from what was said when the series first started, so May/June seems right. Yes I did read your pre-editted post cuervo. Get it right the first time will ya? :)

[FrogMan]

I am way behind on entering my stuff (probably 100 issues or more), but I have all my comics listed there. http://comicbookdb.com/collection.php?ID=2554


yeah, I figured you pretty much knew about the site ;)
Still probably the best place to check if you wanna know if a series has TPBs out or not. No clue how the "industry" works it as far as what warrants a TPB or not though

Pretty impressive collection too :eek: I plan on entering what little stuff I get whenever it gets to me :)

FM

[kurtism]

FWIW, the Hellblazer movie was so loosely based on the comic that it might make your eyes bleed - and the comics is tons better than the movie. Constantine is a great character, but he has always been a Brit, and blonde, and is nothing like Keanu Reeves. That said, read the trades - consistently entertaining, scary, and well-done.

Oh, and another couple of strong online vendors:

www.impulsecreations.net has a great subscription service and good prices, and www.milehighcomics.com has some of the best prices on trades and such, usually with discount codewords if you are on their mailing list. finally, i've found good prices on trades at both amazon and overstock.

[FrogMan]

FWIW, the Hellblazer movie was so loosely based on the comic that it might make your eyes bleed - and the comics is tons better than the movie. Constantine is a great character, but he has always been a Brit, and blonde, and is nothing like Keanu Reeves. That said, read the trades - consistently entertaining, scary, and well-done.

Oh, and another couple of strong online vendors:

www.impulsecreations.net (http://www.impulsecreations.net) has a great subscription service and good prices, and www.milehighcomics.com (http://www.milehighcomics.com) has some of the best prices on trades and such, usually with discount codewords if you are on their mailing list. finally, i've found good prices on trades at both amazon and overstock.

As I said, I got Original Sins coming, which I think is the first TPB. I'll read that one and will probably add more. I'm pretty sure it'll be interesting, but thanks for pointing the difference with the movie. :)

I knew about the impulsecreations site and also thought they had good prices. My fear is with both shipping fees to Canada and then the damn custom duties. I just hate them and when you take them into account, the indigo.ca site has very similar prices. Thanks for the info though, I'm sure some other FOFCers might use it.

FM

[cuervo72]

Wow, Mile High has tons of stuff.

[law90026]

The other thing I've read which I kinda like is the series Preacher. It's violent, it's probably a R-rating, but it's got an interesting premise (essentially a priest who can control minds due to the fact that he has a spirit living in him --> offspring of a union between a devil and an angel).

[cuervo72]

Stopped by the comic shop on the way home. I'm going to give both Justice Society of America and The Spirit a try, as well as Green Lantern (starting with the next issue, which looks like it starts a new storyline). Read the first issue of JSA...looks like good stuff. Just opened Spirit #1 a second ago, and the opening panels are screens from a news network. One of the crawlers (which are all fairly funny/absurd) reads:

"ifteen year old accused of having sex with his teacher gets"

:D :D

[FrogMan]

bought a couple of spider-man t-shirts (and even a cool looking buttoned shirt) for my four year old a couple days ago and among the copyright tags, there was one claiming you could get 3 free comics.

Here'S a link to the offer:
www.marvel.com/3free (http://www.marvel.com/3free)

Bascially a 3 issue subscription for Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man, or Ultimate X-Men, that will not renew itself, where you only pay shipping charges, $3 ($5 for canadians).

You can also subscribe to 12 issues of some of their series for $18.97 ($28.97 for canadians) which seems to be a bit lower than their regular fee.

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just picked up the frist three "Y: The Last Man Standing" TBPs. I've been meaning to for a while and finally found them at Barnes & Noble and was able to use my gift card.

I also picked up "Understanding Comics" by Scott McCloud. It's basically a comic book that explains the medium of comics and the different techniques and styles that are used. I am very much looking forward to reading this.

[FrogMan]

speaking of buys, my order of Powers (vol 1 HC) and Watchmen have come in and woah. I've started reading Powers first, since I'd started reading it online and the quality of that hardcover is very nice, pretty dans heavy book, I didn't expect that, with a whole bunch of extras at the end (interview, scripts, such things). Yeah, I'm a newb. :)

FM

[FrogMan]

bought a couple of spider-man t-shirts (and even a cool looking buttoned shirt) for my four year old a couple days ago and among the copyright tags, there was one claiming you could get 3 free comics.

Here'S a link to the offer:
www.marvel.com/3free (http://www.marvel.com/3free)

Bascially a 3 issue subscription for Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man, Ultimate Spider-Man, or Ultimate X-Men, that will not renew itself, where you only pay shipping charges, $3 ($5 for canadians).

You can also subscribe to 12 issues of some of their series for $18.97 ($28.97 for canadians) which seems to be a bit lower than their regular fee.

FM

As a birthday present, I just subscribed Andrew to 12 issues of Marvel Adventures Spider-Man. I figured that he's starting to learn English and that should be just the right incentive for him to read regularly without it being too tough a read. :)

And he's been into Spider-Man since he was, what, maybe 8 months old. Mommy used to give him the bottle while watching it on TV in the afternoon. :D The kid's got much more comic knowledge than his old man, that's for sure...

FM

[FrogMan]

speaking of Ex Machina, I just downloaded issue #1 from the comic's page on dccomics:
http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?gn=2500

FM

okay, took me a while to realize that DC not only had the first issue of Ex Machina, but also for many of their Vertigo line of comics, many of them that had been mentionned in this thread. I've downloaded the first issue of quite a few to take a look at (Y the Last man, Lucifer, 100 Bullets, Fables, Transmetropolitan), but you can check it out for yourself:
http://www.dccomics.com/graphic_novels/?cat=VERTIGO

Any graphic novel with a bolded #1 next to it has a downloadable first issue. Some others only have sneak peek.

I also read the first issue of Runaways in the digital comics section (http://www.marvel.com/digitalcomics/?utm_campaign=front+page+tracking&utm_source=digitalcomics) over on marvel.com. That convinced me to put in an order for the first hardcover of the series. :)

I finished the first hardcover of Powers and really enjoyed it. I can't for the second one to be released. Supposed to be in early May.

I'm currently reading Watchmen and finding it very good, lots of fun. :)

FM

[WVUFAN]

For the 1 or 2 people that might be interested, here's my monthly pull list for comics:

The Authority - Yes, Morrison's writing it, but The Authority is one of my favorite books. Get the original series trades with Ellis and Millar writing them. Fantastic stuff)

Avengers: The Initiative -- New ongoing Avengers title based off the "50 States Initiative" gimmick. War Machine leads the team.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8: I'm a Buffy fan, and Whedon is writing this. 'Nuff said.

Countdown: New DC series coming off the weekly 52 series.

Crossing Midnight: Vertigo series by Mike Carey with Japanese mythology. Really interesting.

Fall of Cthulhu: New ongoing Lovecraftian series by Boom! Studios.

Friday the 13th: One of the best written comics out there. SERIOUSLY. It's much more than just Jason killing people. I was very much surprised at the writing quality of this title.

Gen13: Revamp of the 1990's series by Gale Simone.

Immortal Iron Fist: Ed Brubaker writes this. I've got stuff from all three incarnations of the character, and this is so far been the best one. Art is very Jae Lee-ish.

Justice Society of America: The best drawn monthly title period. Dale Eaglesham(the artist) is the man.

Mighty Avengers: Second ongoing title with Frank Cho as the artist. Here's (http://www.libertymeadows.com/covers/Shanna%20Covers/shanna03.jpg) an example of Frank Cho artwork

NewUniversal: Back in the 1980's, Marvel tried to create a new line of comics called "The New Universe" where superheros were inserted into a world much like our own. It didn't work, mostly because it was not done in a "realistic" way. This is Warren Ellis taking characters in those original series and twisting them in his own unique way.

Welcome to Tranquility: Wildstorm title about what happens when heroes retire. They go to a retirement town, called Tranquility. Cool concept.

[Neuqua]

This thread inspired me (never read a comic in my life) to take a look at a few comic books at the local Barnes the other day, and I honestly did not know they were as expensive as they are.

I need to find a cheap hobby.

[cuervo72]

What the heck - I'll post mine too, now that I actually may be building one. :D

Justice Society of America - agreed with WVUFAN, I like this a lot. Doesn't hurt that it has a cute redhead in it. ;) But not my #1 at the moment. That goes to...

The Spirit - I don't know what it is exactly, but this one really works for me. I like the art a lot, I like the character a lot - heroic, but imperfect. It has adventure, with a good bit of humor. It will probably get me to read Eisner's originals too.

Green Lantern - just because I've always liked GL. Though I was a little less than thrilled with #18, mainly with the style of the art [from what I understand, there is a sub artist on this current arc]. Oh, that and it seemed like GL was just Maverick with a ring (even *looked* a little like Tom Cruise to me). Sinestro Corps though, that was pretty good.

Birds of Prey - I think Morgado would have kept yelling at me to read this until I did. Kurtism backed him up - they're both fans of Simone. And you know what? I liked it.

(Very) Possibles:

Shadowpact - I haven't read this yet, but I intend to. I mean, it has a talking chimp. I can't resist that.

Dr. Fate - Held up due to a change in artist, but I will check this out when it comes out.

Justice League of America - yeah, I'll probably end up adding this too, though it may take a back seat to Justice Society. The JLA/JSA crossover will force me to try a couple anyway. :)


It's funny - I was just thinking about Frank Cho and wondering what he might be doing (glanced upon a few Liberty Meadows books the other day). I've liked what I've seen of his stuff (ok, so that has mainly been large chested, scantily clad women, but whatever), so I may give that a try. Even if it's Marvel. :)

(hrm.... http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/newavengers/meet/MIGHTAVN003cov.jpg )

[cuervo72]

Dola. This is true Neuqua. I think my wife would cut me off eventually if I kept buying at the early pace that I have the past couple weeks. Luckily, my library appears to have quite a nice collection of TPBs (DKR, New Frontier, the Sandman series, Fables, Best of The Spirit).

Oh - and I think I might try Countdown too. Came in too late for 52, though I am considering the trades when they come out.

[WVUFAN]

The Spirit - I don't know what it is exactly, but this one really works for me. I like the art a lot, I like the character a lot - heroic, but imperfect. It has adventure, with a good bit of humor. It will probably get me to read Eisner's originals too.

I haven't tried this, but alot of people I know really enjoys it. It would be wierd seeing the Spirit drawn by someone other than Eisner. I might give it a shot.



It's funny - I was just thinking about Frank Cho and wondering what he might be doing (glanced upon a few Liberty Meadows books the other day). I've liked what I've seen of his stuff (ok, so that has mainly been large chested, scantily clad women, but whatever), so I may give that a try. Even if it's Marvel. :)

(hrm.... http://www.newsarama.com/marvelnew/newavengers/meet/MIGHTAVN003cov.jpg )

I looked far and wide for a Safe for Work Frank Cho picture that's not uber Cartoony (he does a strip called Liberty Meadows that's very cartoony). It's hard to find. :-)

[hukarez]

I spend waaaay too much money on TPBs every damn Wednesday.

That being said, and having glanced at the collection currently in my bookshelf (not much room left, everything's in the closet or in boxes somewhere), the current books I'm following up on eagerly are:

Conan: Dark Horse published, Kurt Busiek and Cary Nord. I hope these two stay on this run for a long while, and if anyone can find a hardcover copy of Volume 1 of Conan, please let me know!

Runaways: Yeah, I still subscribe on it's second running, though I still collect the TPB hardcovers when I can. Still looking for Volume 2 hardcover, though I'm sure it's a matter of me just waiting for the local shops to get more stock of it.

The Walking Dead: Volume 1 is out on hardcover, and I'm very much tempted to pick it up - if the Borders that I saw it at had one in a far more acceptable condition.

Ultimate X-Men: It's been awhile since I've been reading these, and like the other Ultimate lines, I keep these softcover. Honestly, I haven't read anything past Volume 11, I think, though I continue on this strictly for continuity.

Ultimate Fantastic Four: It's on Volume 7 now, though I can't recall reading past Volume 5. Still collecting it however!

Punisher: Garth Ennis' run, which I think is supposed to switch over from MAX to Marvel Knights. Volume 6, still going strong for me.

Supreme Power: Still collecting this as well, up to Volume 3 for me. There's another edition out there, in hardcover format, something of a precursor I think? Not quite sure, haven't looked into it.

The Ultimates (2): My favorite out of all the Ultimate lines, and I'm extremely pissed off at how Marvel is seriously fucking this up with inconsistent releases.

Cable & Deadpool: Hands down, one of my most favored and treasured series that I've been following up on. Deadpool! Whee! Up to Volume 5 still, and eagerly checking Diamond Comics for upcoming releases!

Annihilation: Snagged up Volume 1 of the hardcover. Eagerly awaiting for Volume 2 (I'm very patient, since I don't collect these issues) as well as seeing what happens to the space-side of things.

Beyond!: Just picked this up in hardcover format (Marvel). Haven't really gotten a chance to dig in yet.

Moon Knight: The Bottom: Marc Specter! Yeeeeah!!

Batman: Under the Hood: Volume 1 and 2, good reads.

Batman: Hush Returns: Had to get some sort of closure over the Batman Hush 2 volume release not too long ago.

Secret Six: Gail Simone's triumphant sequel to Villains United! Woohoo, Catman!

GLA: Misassembled: So they're called the Great Lakes Champions now. Still, when you've got a teammate called 'Squirrel Girl', you simply can't lose! Unless you're the GLC though. Haha! Good, funny stuff.

Ultimate Adventures: One Tin Soldier: A nice spoof of Marvel's version of Batman and Robin, let's face it, Chicago needs more superheroes in the Marvel Universe, no?

Spider Man: The Other (Evolve or Die): Seriously a good book explaining a lot of things about Spider Man during those New Avengers run. Having picked this up at the same time with Powers, it was a good month.

Captain Atom: Armageddon: Took me awhile to figure things out, since I haven't really followed up with the DC universe in awhile. I did snag up the Identity Crisis TPB awhile ago, and went through it, however I hadn't really delved deeply into a single character since picking up Flash: Rogue War near the end of last year.

Overall, I still keep an eye out for any future Seven Soldiers of Victory TPBs, Ex Machina and District X TPBs if I come across another. I still have my collection of The Authority books, but honestly, Grant's writing is boring me with that series.
In a month or two from now, Planet Hulk is coming out - and my buddy has been keeping me up to date with how World War Hulk is going to be an exciting thing to read about this summer.

[WVUFAN]

Birds of Prey - I think Morgado would have kept yelling at me to read this until I did. Kurtism backed him up - they're both fans of Simone. And you know what? I liked it.


If you're a fan of Gail Simone (and I am), check out Gen-13 and Welcome to Tranquility. Both are written by her, are relatively new titles which require no backstory to get into them (Gen-13 is a complete revamp/retcon) and are easy to slide into.

[cuervo72]

Oh, Ex Machina. That's another series my library has.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Secret Six: Gail Simone's triumphant sequel to Villains United! Woohoo, Catman!

How's "Secret Six"? I loved Villians United and planned to pick up Secret Six once it came out on TPB.

While I really enjoy Simone's writing, I've always been a huge Deadshot fan. I've loved him since his time in "Suicide Squad." In fact, he's easily my favorite D.C. Character. Well, along with Rorschach from "Watchmen", but I don't think he really counts.

[kurtism]

Ok, since it seems the (relatively) cool thing to do, here is my list of current titles:

Birds of Prey - for me, as good as a monthly gets. Funny, exciting, and interesting characters.
Powers - talked about Powers before. Bendis at his best, with great stylized art by Oeming.
Astonishing X-Men - Joss. Cassaday.
Buffy Season 8 - Joss. Buffy.
Justice League of America - bumpy start so far, but I'm willing to wait to see where Metzler is going.
Justice Society of America - great, great stuff. Eaglesham's art is, as mentioned above, top notch. And I've always had a love for these characters.
Firestorm - interesting run. Current storyline involves the New Gods, which seems to bring me in every time.
Superman Confidential - at least through the initial story arc by Darwyn Cooke with art by Tim Sale.
All-Star Superman - when it comes out... neither Morrison nor Quietly are reknowned for their timeliness.
The Ultimates Vol. 2 - speaking of reliability, apparently Bryan Hitch does about a page a month... been waiting on issue 13 for about half a year I think, and this 13 issue series will end up taking about 3 years... great work, guys!
Shazam - both the Winick/Porter mini and the Jeff Smith mini. Great stuff, particularly the art by Porter. Jeff Smith simply tells great stories.
Astro City - Whenever it comes out...
the Brave and the Bold - fun team-up book. Busiek can always be counted on for a solid tale.
Teen Titans - not sure if I'll keep this once Geoff Johns steps down, but his run has been great. His replacement, Adam Beechen, has done a solid job on Robin, so I'd guess the new run will also be ok.
Green Arrow - guilty as charged, I'm a huge Ollie Queen mark.
Thunderbolts - yeah, odd choice as my lone Marvel book. Perhaps if JMS had not crapped on Spidey, I'd still be reading Amazing.
Manhunter - former prosecutor turned vigilante? Interesting characters and great art? Yes please.
Green Lantern - don't get every issue, but the ones I do grab hold my attention.

I keep up with other books through various means, so I am usually up to speed on the big happenings in DC; less so with Marvel. I collect Daredevil and 100 Bullets via trade; the latter is particularly suited for trade-waiting.

[cuervo72]

Firestorm huh? I've seen it mentioned in more than one place I think that it is surprisingly (underated) good.

[FrogMan]

thanks to all of you for sharing your lists, I hate you at the same time. Now a whole bunch of new stuff I wanna check out :)

Since I've never read any comics before, my reading is right now entirely done from TPBs. Powers is currently the only series I've read that will be a must buy as soon as the second hardcover comes out. I'm currently reading Watchmen but that's a one shot.

Among near future reads I have the following:
Runaways really liked issue #1 and have placed an order for the first hardcover (issues 1-8 I think), 3-5 weeks delay.

Blade of the Immortal I bought a couple TPBs for $3 each from a local comic shop, #2 and #10, skimmed through the #2 and I'm quite impressed by it. It's all black and white but pretty well done. It's probably my heart of martial artists that makes me like it though. It comes with a glossary at the end of each book for Japanese words that remain in the text. I like its authenticity. An order for TPB #1 has been placed but there's a 3-5 weeks delay as with Runaways, but they're on the same order, so it'll all get to me around mid-May.

Ex Machina the first TPB will also be on my next order after again reading the first issue, then maybe one per month or so.

Y: The Last Man another one that I will be getting into after reading the first issue online.

Ultimate Spider-Man & Ultimate X-Men these are two that have tons of hardcover trades that I'll want to dig into.

FM

[WVUFAN]

Blade of the Immortal I bought a couple TPBs for $3 each from a local comic shop, #2 and #10, skimmed through the #2 and I'm quite impressed by it. It's all black and white but pretty well done. It's probably my heart of martial artists that makes me like it though. It comes with a glossary at the end of each book for Japanese words that remain in the text. I like its authenticity. An order for TPB #1 has been placed but there's a 3-5 weeks delay as with Runaways, but they're on the same order, so it'll all get to me around mid-May.


I would suggest "Lone Wolf and Cub" if you're a fan of samurai-ish stories. Dark Horse has several trades with the entire series.

[FrogMan]

I would suggest "Lone Wolf and Cub" if you're a fan of samurai-ish stories. Dark Horse has several trades with the entire series.

thanks. Checked it out on darkhorse.com and they have a big preview of the first TPB, may be something I'll wanna check further. Foudn 18 TPBs available in all at amazon.ca, one of my shopping spots.

Definitely is a manga that I could live with, as opposed to the big eyed ones, heh. That's also one big thing that Blade has for it...

FM

[FrogMan]

dola,

holy moly, comicbookdb has 28 TPBs of Lone Wolf in their database while Blade is up to 16 but the series is still going...

FM

[lordscarlet]

I'll post my subscription list later.. It's way too long. I'm just trying a lot of books out and I really need to trim it down.

[cuervo72]

Ok, Mighty Avengers is now officially on my list, until the day comes when Frank Cho stops drawing hot babes. :D

[lordscarlet]

Mighty Avengers #1 didn't have a lot of cleavage, but it was fine. I'm new to the Marvel world, so we'll see how it goes. As a kid I read Image, so both Marvel and DC are fairly new to me, but DC has more "classic" characters that I am familiar with.

[cuervo72]

Well, it's not only cleavage that Cho does well, imo. He draws a mighty fine ass, too. ;) (really, I like the entire proportions he uses)

By and large I agree, DC >> Marvel, at least for my own tastes. Those are the heroes I grew up with (hi Superfriends!). But I figured I'd give this one a shot.

[FrogMan]

For the 1 or 2 people that might be interested, here's my monthly pull list for comics:

The Authority - Yes, Morrison's writing it, but The Authority is one of my favorite books. Get the original series trades with Ellis and Millar writing them. Fantastic stuff)

Avengers: The Initiative -- New ongoing Avengers title based off the "50 States Initiative" gimmick. War Machine leads the team.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8: I'm a Buffy fan, and Whedon is writing this. 'Nuff said.

Countdown: New DC series coming off the weekly 52 series.

Crossing Midnight: Vertigo series by Mike Carey with Japanese mythology. Really interesting.

Fall of Cthulhu: New ongoing Lovecraftian series by Boom! Studios.

Friday the 13th: One of the best written comics out there. SERIOUSLY. It's much more than just Jason killing people. I was very much surprised at the writing quality of this title.

Gen13: Revamp of the 1990's series by Gale Simone.

Immortal Iron Fist: Ed Brubaker writes this. I've got stuff from all three incarnations of the character, and this is so far been the best one. Art is very Jae Lee-ish.

Justice Society of America: The best drawn monthly title period. Dale Eaglesham(the artist) is the man.

Mighty Avengers: Second ongoing title with Frank Cho as the artist. Here's (http://www.libertymeadows.com/covers/Shanna%20Covers/shanna03.jpg) an example of Frank Cho artwork

NewUniversal: Back in the 1980's, Marvel tried to create a new line of comics called "The New Universe" where superheros were inserted into a world much like our own. It didn't work, mostly because it was not done in a "realistic" way. This is Warren Ellis taking characters in those original series and twisting them in his own unique way.

Welcome to Tranquility: Wildstorm title about what happens when heroes retire. They go to a retirement town, called Tranquility. Cool concept.

it's now official, I hate you. With the Lone Wolf and Cub suggestion you were cool cause you introduced me to some old stuff I could try to get in TPBs without sinking into the comic subscription thing, but I just researched that list of yours and damn! Too many new things (i.e. on their fourth issue or less) that I find very cool. AAAAARRGGGG!!!

Adding to my hell is the fact that I have found a canadian online place that does subscription with very reasonable shipping fees (www.everythingcomics.ca (http://www.everythingcomics.ca)) which makes me very, very tempted to start a 4-5 comics pull list. As of now, the list would look like this:

New Universal don't know about you, but the whole premise of it has a very Heroes feel to it, I like the idea behind it

Immortal Iron Fist the fist thing is getting to me, some Japanese background it, interesting

Mighty Avengers okay, WVUFAN, you're not the only one to blame for that one. Cuervo and the babe talk has me on the ready, that and I discovered that it's written by Powers' Brian Michael Bendis.

Welcome to Tranquility I like the idea behind it, looks pretty cool.

Omega Flight well, that one I found on my own, a team of Canadian Superheroes!!! :) And to top it off, it's written by Powers' co-creator and artist Michael Avon Oeming. The first issue is coming up and the previews I've seen looked interesting. Some shots for the Canadian Parliament. LOL :D

FM

[WVUFAN]

i
New Universal don't know about you, but the whole premise of it has a very Heroes feel to it, I like the idea behind it

The original lineup back in the mid-80's I think was the first attempt at a "realistic" look at superheros. But, yeah, I agree with you.


Immortal Iron Fist the fist thing is getting to me, some Japanese background it, interesting
Give Crossing Midnight a shot. I would describe it as Sandman meets Japanese mythology.


Mighty Avengers okay, WVUFAN, you're not the only one to blame for that one. Cuervo and the babe talk has me on the ready, that and I discovered that it's written by Powers' Brian Michael Bendis.
Frank Cho is very good at drawing beautiful women.

If Omega Flight does well (it's a limited series right now), they'll turn it into an ongoing.

[FrogMan]

Justice League of America - bumpy start so far, but I'm willing to wait to see where Metzler is going.


quick question if you're still reading the thread, mostly about Meltzer writing for comics, how is he?

I ask this because I'm a huge Meltzer fan, have read every one of his novels, except the most recent one, which I will get when it shows up on bookcloseouts.com.

FM

[FrogMan]

Give Crossing Midnight a shot. I would describe it as Sandman meets Japanese mythology.


Yeah, I thought about it, read a little about it and I'm not too sure how if I'd like it. Seems a bit too mythic and fantastic for my taste. I connect with the martial arts aspects of Japan, but not all that much with the deep spirituality within.

That, and I need to draw the line somewhere. I wanna keep some money to go after older stuff, TPB style. :) There's just a whole lot of stuff I wanna read right now, gotta control myself, heh. :)


If Omega Flight does well (it's a limited series right now), they'll turn it into an ongoing.

Interesting. I had seen the "#1 (of 5)" next to it on the online store, but didn't really know what it meant. Thanks for the info.

FM

[kurtism]

Metzler is solid, imo. I liked Identity Crisis (7 issue mini he did a couple years ago, available in trade), even if it was a bit dark and overly-retcon happy. His run on JLA has been ok, but certainly not as good as Johns on JSA.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Metzler is solid, imo. I liked Identity Crisis (7 issue mini he did a couple years ago, available in trade), even if it was a bit dark and overly-retcon happy. His run on JLA has been ok, but certainly not as good as Johns on JSA.

I wanted to like Identity Crisis, but I just... didn't. It seemed off to me some how. Perhaps it's because I am not too terribly familair with all the intricacies of the D.C. personalties, but it was just... I dunno.

[FrogMan]

anybody have read (or even simply heard of) Sam Noir Samurai Detective?

It's fairly new, from Image Comics, and written by a team of newcomers to print comics. They've only put out a couple of three issues mini series which I came upon #3 of the second series while looking at what was shipping this week.

Pretty much every review I see is very positive, here are a few links:
http://www.playbackstl.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3016&Itemid=31
http://www.brokenfrontier.com/reviews/details.php?id=1013
http://fractalmatter.com/main/?p=379
http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=82595

The newsarama one has a ten page preview of the first issue and Image has the 3rd issue (or part of it) to read online.
http://www.imagecomics.com/onlinecomics.php (link on the right side)

That one would probably make it as my sixth if I ever get started with that subscription... :)

FM

[hukarez]

How's "Secret Six"? I loved Villians United and planned to pick up Secret Six once it came out on TPB.

While I really enjoy Simone's writing, I've always been a huge Deadshot fan. I've loved him since his time in "Suicide Squad." In fact, he's easily my favorite D.C. Character. Well, along with Rorschach from "Watchmen", but I don't think he really counts.

I'm sorry I got to this pretty late - I've only been a few pages into it, but I'm slowly getting into how it's progressing as of late. I've been on a spending binge - which is pretty unwise for me to do so (especially after today's latest releases, or should I say 'yesterday') since I've been laid off from work.

As of now, I'm getting into 'part 2' of the book, but it seems pretty promising so far. I don't think I've been really into a book like this since Identity Disc...or Marvel's "Usual Suspects" so to speak.

[hukarez]

How's "Secret Six"? I loved Villians United and planned to pick up Secret Six once it came out on TPB.

While I really enjoy Simone's writing, I've always been a huge Deadshot fan. I've loved him since his time in "Suicide Squad." In fact, he's easily my favorite D.C. Character. Well, along with Rorschach from "Watchmen", but I don't think he really counts.

I'm sorry I got to this pretty late - I've only been a few pages into it, but I'm slowly getting into how it's progressing as of late. I've been on a spending binge - which is pretty unwise for me to do so (especially after today's latest releases, or should I say 'yesterday') since I've been laid off from work.

As of now, I'm getting into 'part 2' of the book, but it seems pretty promising so far. I don't think I've been really into a book like this since Identity Disc...or Marvel's "Usual Suspects" so to speak.

[WVUFAN]

I just picked up a great new comic today called "The Secret History" which is a square bound comic (first of seven volumes). Originally in French, it was written by Jean-Pierre Pecau and drawn by Igor Korday, which drew X-Men for a good while.

FANTASTIC story. It's a nice take of how certain big events in history were actually set in motion by 4 people protecting totems. Sounds strange, but it really works. Each volume is a separate section in history -- the first volume centers on the beginning and also in ancient Egypt.

I highly recommend it. The story is interesting and the art is fantastic.

hxxp://www.aspcomics.com

[FrogMan]

it's now official, I hate you. With the Lone Wolf and Cub suggestion you were cool cause you introduced me to some old stuff I could try to get in TPBs without sinking into the comic subscription thing, but I just researched that list of yours and damn! Too many new things (i.e. on their fourth issue or less) that I find very cool. AAAAARRGGGG!!!

Adding to my hell is the fact that I have found a canadian online place that does subscription with very reasonable shipping fees (www.everythingcomics.ca (http://www.everythingcomics.ca)) which makes me very, very tempted to start a 4-5 comics pull list. As of now, the list would look like this:

New Universal don't know about you, but the whole premise of it has a very Heroes feel to it, I like the idea behind it

Immortal Iron Fist the fist thing is getting to me, some Japanese background it, interesting

Mighty Avengers okay, WVUFAN, you're not the only one to blame for that one. Cuervo and the babe talk has me on the ready, that and I discovered that it's written by Powers' Brian Michael Bendis.

Welcome to Tranquility I like the idea behind it, looks pretty cool.

Omega Flight well, that one I found on my own, a team of Canadian Superheroes!!! :) And to top it off, it's written by Powers' co-creator and artist Michael Avon Oeming. The first issue is coming up and the previews I've seen looked interesting. Some shots for the Canadian Parliament. LOL :D

FM

Okay, I did set up the pull list with everythingcomics as well as ordered all the issues to bring myself current, damn you WVUFAN :p ;)

I'm starting with the 5 listed above in addition to Sam Noir which I talked about previously.

Another one is tugging at me though, Loners from Marvel. #1 of an original series of 6 is supposed to be released this week. Looks like something in the vein of Runaways, mainly about heroes who were once teen superheros but now in the young adulthood, have to go through therapy to live out of the spandex. :) A preview is available:
http://bullpenbulletinspodcast.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=240&Itemid=2

FM

[FrogMan]

oh, and that Secret History series is definitely on my radar list, looks very interesting. Can't find it anywhere though and the same 48 page issues in French are selling for 22.95$cdn over at amazon.ca, ouch.

FM

[SFL Cat]

Honestly, I stopped collecting comics when they cost less than a dollar (.75). I had several thousand. If I had held on to them, I would have had some valuable books now. Grrrrr!!!

I was a Marvel kid. Spider Man was my favorite. Also collected The Hulk, Fantastic Four, Thor, Avengers, Defenders -- and most of the lesser character titles such as Dare Devil, Dr. Strange, Black Panther, etc. etc.

DC sucked balls at the time except for Neal Adams' retro rendition of Batman...when he went from the Adam West inspired camp icon back to his mysterious roots and bad guys started calling him "The" Batman again.

I also really liked the old reprints of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Junior, and even...Mary Marvel. That series had a nice fantasy element that I enjoyed (although the talking Tiger, Mr. Tawny, was a bit much for me).

Every now and then I'll look at today's comics in a book store and I feel two things...I'm saddened that almost every hero I grew up with has been "reimaged" for modern times, and that the themes in most books are so bleak. I'm also amazed that people actually shell out the money they want for these things...for a lot less pages than I got when I was a kid.

[WVUFAN]

I also really liked the old reprints of Captain Marvel, Captain Marvel Junior, and even...Mary Marvel.

Every now and then I'll look at today's comics in a book store and I feel two things...I'm saddened that almost every hero I grew up with has been "reimaged" for modern times, and that the themes in most books are so bleak. I'm also amazed that people actually shell out the money they want for these things...for a lot less pages than I got when I was a kid.

Jeff Smith, who did a comic series called "Bone" aimed at kids, is retooling Captain Marvel. Might be something you might like.

And the new weekly series Countdown's main character will be Mary Marvel. Many think she's getting an ongoing title after Countdown is done.

[KWhit]

I'd like to get caught up with the Dark Tower series. Any suggestions as to the best place to get the back issues and subscribe to the future ones?

[WVUFAN]

I'd like to get caught up with the Dark Tower series. Any suggestions as to the best place to get the back issues and subscribe to the future ones?

A couple of places I go to online is: www.midtowncomics.com for back issues, and www.scifigenre.com for subscriptions. Midtown's books are immaculate when they arrive and decently priced. SciFiGenre has the best subscription service I know of the ones I've tried.

[WVUFAN]

I don't read anything regularly, but i'm looking forward to the Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 8 stuff (continues where the TV show left off). Yes, Im a fan of Buffy. deal with it.

Couple of people have mentioned Brian K Vaughn in this thread (he writes Y the Last Man among other things). Just read that the second arc on the Season 8 Buffy comics (issues 6-11) will be written by Vaughn and be about Faith.

[FrogMan]

I'm currently reading the Original Sins TPB from the Hellblazer series (collects issues #1 through #9) and damn, this thing is scaring me, very powerful, riveting stuff. I can now see how different it is from the movie.

My wife just doesn't want me to tell her anything of the stories, she's afraid she'll have nightmares about it. :)

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

I'm currently reading the Original Sins TPB from the Hellblazer series (collects issues #1 through #9) and damn, this thing is scaring me, very powerful, riveting stuff. I can now see how different it is from the movie.

My wife just doesn't want me to tell her anything of the stories, she's afraid she'll have nightmares about it. :)

FM

I have a bunch of those Hellblazer TPBs. It's somewhat of a mixed bag at times, but usually much more hit than miss, especially when you have the right combination of writer (especially anything written by Garth Ennis or Warren Ellis) and artist.

I am readig Red Sepulchre at the moment and enjoying it quite a bit.

I think Dangerous Habits is probably my favorite. I liked Son of Man quite a bit too.

[FrogMan]

If Omega Flight does well (it's a limited series right now), they'll turn it into an ongoing.

don't know what this means for it becoming an ongoing, but Marvel has announced that Omega Flight #1 has sold out and that they're going to a second printing (http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.983).

Omega Flight #1 Sells Out & Goes Back To Print

Marvel is pleased to announce that Omega Flight #1, featuring the debut of Canada's new super team, has sold out at Diamond. Featuring the talents of writer Mike Oeming (Thor) and Scott Kolins (Avengers: Earth Mightiest Heroes), the inaugural issue of this limited series has struck a chord with both retailers and fans.

To meet demand for this issue, Marvel Comics is going back to print on Omega Flight #1 with a variant cover featuring interior art by Scott Kolins.

In the wake of Civil War, Canada has put together its own super-team called Omega Flight, the last line of defense for the Great White North against super villain insurgents from abroad. Unfortunately for the Canadians, before Omega Flight can band together, a powerful team of villains have decided to turn their northern neighbor in a playground for plundering.

Note, Omega Flight #1 may still be available at the retailer level. Marvel advises that retailers check their orders for upcoming issues as Omega Flight continues to benefit from strong reviews and word of mouth. Also, don't miss your chance to find how it all began—check out Alpha Flight Classic Vol.1, in stores now, presenting the first 8 issues of the Canadian superteam's adventures.


I've yet to receive my copy as I'd agree to delay the first shipment for a week, so I can't really comment on the quality of the series. Still very much looking forward to it.

FM

[WVUFAN]

don't know what this means for it becoming an ongoing, but Marvel has announced that Omega Flight #1 has sold out and that they're going to a second printing (http://www.marvel.com/news/comicstories.983).



I've yet to receive my copy as I'd agree to delay the first shipment for a week, so I can't really comment on the quality of the series. Still very much looking forward to it.

FM

Best I could describe it .. it's very anti-limited series-ish.

Most limited series, because they have to tell the full story in a certain number of issues (usually 4 or 5), then compress the story to get as much out of each issue as possible, especially when dealing with a new team or character. It was the exact opposite in this one. They only introed I think 2 or 3 characters in the issue, and it was definately reading as if this is gonna be ongoing.

Initally it was supposed to be ongoing, then they switched it to a mini. Maybe the first issue was written before they decided to change the format.

[cuervo72]

Looking forward to tomorrow: BoP #105, JLA #8, Shadowpact #12, The Spirit #5, WWIII 1-4, Mighty Avengers #2, maybe Brave & the Bold #3. Lots of comics for me!! :D (and one more, if Dr. Fate #1 is actually out...some question about that as they changed artists, but their site still lists it for 4/18).

Good timing too, as I've caught up pretty much, having gone through the monthlies I've bought, along with Watchmen, Fables 2 & 3, New Frontier, Best of The Spirit.

[FrogMan]

Best I could describe it .. it's very anti-limited series-ish.

Most limited series, because they have to tell the full story in a certain number of issues (usually 4 or 5), then compress the story to get as much out of each issue as possible, especially when dealing with a new team or character. It was the exact opposite in this one. They only introed I think 2 or 3 characters in the issue, and it was definately reading as if this is gonna be ongoing.

very interesting, thanks for the info. Very much looking forward to reading it.


Initally it was supposed to be ongoing, then they switched it to a mini. Maybe the first issue was written before they decided to change the format.

from what I've read, the going from "announced ongoing" to "limited series" has created some sort of outrage in the community. Lots of emails were sent to Marvel, some of them apparently not really nice. I also read that Michael Avon Oeming was very much into this project and I also think that this first issue might have been written before the switch to limited series had been announced...

We'll see...

FM

[WVUFAN]

Looking forward to tomorrow: BoP #105, JLA #8, Shadowpact #12, The Spirit #5, WWIII 1-4, Mighty Avengers #2, maybe Brave & the Bold #3. Lots of comics for me!! :D (and one more, if Dr. Fate #1 is actually out...some question about that as they changed artists, but their site still lists it for 4/18).


You probably already know this, but Gail Simone is leaving Birds of Prey. She's taking over as the new Wonder Woman writer.

[cuervo72]

Yeah...I actually forgot to mention that when she gets there, I'll probably be picking up WW too. :D And kurtism has assured me that McKeever will do just fine on BoP (which I couldn't find at my local today, which annoyed me...also, McKeever pops up at Newsarama and seems to be a good guy).

Loved Brave & Bold, btw. I'll be looking for the first two to catch up, and I think I'll be adding Blue Beetle as well.

[WVUFAN]

Yeah...I actually forgot to mention that when she gets there, I'll probably be picking up WW too. :D And kurtism has assured me that McKeever will do just fine on BoP (which I couldn't find at my local today, which annoyed me...also, McKeever pops up at Newsarama and seems to be a good guy).

I have a few books by McKeever, he's good times. I think BoP is in good hands. I am stoked for Simone on WW, though. She's a perfect fit for that title.


Loved Brave & Bold, btw. I'll be looking for the first two to catch up, and I think I'll be adding Blue Beetle as well.

I buy Brave and the Bold because it has one of my favorite writers (Mark Waid) and my second favorite artist outside of Dale Englesham (George Perez). Perez's stuff never ceases to amaze me. He puts so much in each panel.

In issue #2, the teenaged Supergirl hits on Green Lantern, who constantly has to say "She's Seventeen" to himself over and over again. Funny stuff.

[FrogMan]

After receiving my first big order of comics last Friday, well let's just say I'm having tons of fun these days. :D

That order had something like 15 comics of new starting series to bring me up to speed on the stuff I'm now subscribing to.

So far I've only read these:

Omega Flight #1, I agree with WVUFAN, that first one sure got more the feel of an ongoing than of something that will end in 5 issues. Either that, or they'll work it to a climax in #5. I liked it though.

Mighty Avengers #1 & #2: nice stuff and yeah, Cho knows how to draw a woman, woah...

NewUniversal #1: interesting stuff, very interesting (but one could say I find everything interesting these days, heh ;)). Started on issue #2 last night, got issues up to #5 to read.

The other stuff I received in that shipment includes Immortal Iron Fist #1-2 (still looking for #3-4), Welcome to Tranquility #1-5, and Sam Noir: Ronin Holiday #1-3. I also received the first Ex Machina TPB that I'm reading during lunch and coffee breaks at work, very good stuff there too, and also the first Y: The Last Man TPB that I will read after.

Funny thing, I discovered about a month ago that my frequent flyer miles that I never use could be redeemed for an indigo $50 gift card. That led to me ordering Hellblazer's Dangerous Habits TPB, the first Ultimate Spider-Man HC (very nice book!) and the first TPB of one other thing I discovered while looking for samurai/martial arts stuff, Usagi Yojimbo (http://usagiyojimbo.com/). Read that one last week and what a fun read it was. Nothing super intense, kinda lighthearted, but very well done, staying on track with the code of honor of 17th century samurais in feudal Japan. I will definitely get more of the Rabbit Bodyguard. :)

FM

[hukarez]

World War Hulk.

;)

On a side note, I snagged up the first couple of issues of The Loners - really like the humor in the cover art, the homage paid to the Breakfast Club and Ferris Bueller's Day Off for the first two issues. Weird Science is supposed to be issue 3's tribute, from what I'm told.

[FrogMan]

Loners is on my pull list so I should see these first two issues on the next shipment. Very much looking forward to it. :)

FM

[kurtism]

This just in ( ;) ), Joss Whedon is a god. Runaways 26, Astonishing X-Men 21, and Buffy Season 8 #3 all came out this week, and each is simply great. Add in excellent art on all three, and you simply cannot lose.

(This message has been brought to you by the Whedon Fanboy Network)

[FrogMan]

forgot to mention this but a funny thing happened yesterday. I was watching a show on Space Channel (a canadian station I believe, it's on cable) called "Spider-Man 3: from comics to film". Was quite nice, with lots of previews from the newest movie but also some insight into what they did in the first two movies, interviews with actors and with Sam Raimi.

They also had Stan Lee on and a few other comic writers and artists that I didn't know, until they showed the face of Brian Michael Bendis and I exploded with "Hey, I know this guy!!! He's awesome!". My wife didn't get it and I had to explain that he writes Powers and Mighty Avengers and, as was pointed out on screen, that he wrote plenty of Ultimate Spider-Man. Man I felt geeky then... :)

I don't feel too bad about it though, she's an even bigger Spider-Man fan than me and she's the one pressuring me to go get tickets so we can go watch it on Imax over the weekend... I hate crowds and would be just all right waiting one week, but she's adamant that we have to go this week. My son will only be too happy to follow us whenever we decide to go.

FM

[WVUFAN]

This just in ( ;) ), Joss Whedon is a god. Runaways 26, Astonishing X-Men 21, and Buffy Season 8 #3 all came out this week, and each is simply great. Add in excellent art on all three, and you simply cannot lose.

(This message has been brought to you by the Whedon Fanboy Network)

I just picked up Buffy Season 8 #3, but I have a question for the Buffy fans out there ...

Who is Ethan Rayne?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I just picked up Buffy Season 8 #3, but I have a question for the Buffy fans out there ...

Who is Ethan Rayne?

He's an old mate of Giles' from the back in the day, when Giles was a young, wild and reckless wizard/rocker dude. Ethan is a wizard who worships a god of chaos and mayhem. He showed up in a few memorable episodes, including the Halloween episode where he cursed Halloween costumes so that people would turn into whatever they were wearing (e.g., Xander was a soldier, Buffy was a princess, and a bunch of kids turned into demons/monsters), and "Band Candy" where he cursed chocolate bars which made all of Sunnydale's adults start acting like children (notable: Giles and Buffy's mom had sex on a police car. Twice. I think he caused some other chaos once or twice as well.

[kurtism]

...until they showed the face of Brian Michael Bendis and I exploded with "Hey, I know this guy!!! He's awesome!". My wife didn't get it and I had to explain that he writes Powers and Mighty Avengers and, as was pointed out on screen, that he wrote plenty of Ultimate Spider-Man. Man I felt geeky then... :)
FM

Actually, Bendis has written all of Ultimate Spidey, including the Annuals - and Mark Bagley has done every issue of the pencilling to date (other than the annuals). A record-setting run, topping Lee and Ditko's run on FF for the most consecutive issues by a writer/artist combo. Sadly, Bags is moving on to a new book very soon.

[FrogMan]

Actually, Bendis has written all of Ultimate Spidey, including the Annuals - and Mark Bagley has done every issue of the pencilling to date (other than the annuals). A record-setting run, topping Lee and Ditko's run on FF for the most consecutive issues by a writer/artist combo. Sadly, Bags is moving on to a new book very soon.


you know, I suspected that was true as I think I had read it somewhere but I wasn't sure enough, so I just told her he wrote "many" of them. ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

Knowing how everyone around this thread is quite knowledgeable, I'm sure you guys all know about this but here's a friendly reminder that Free Comic Book Day (http://www.freecomicbookday.com/) is tomorrow, May 5th. Follow the link to see which book might be available for free at your local comic shop.

Online, I've found that Graham Crackers Comics (http://www.grahamcrackers.com/fcbd.htm) will allow you to order three different free comics for free with $5 fo shipping.

In Canada, All New Comics (http://allnewcomics.com/scripts/content.asp?URL=1) will supposedly allow you to pick up to 5 different free comics (http://allnewcomics.com/scripts/story.asp?storyID=108) as long as you place an order with them. Without an order, you should be able to order one completely free comics (no shipping charged).

FM

[FrogMan]

boohoo, just got this email: :(
Hello from Amazon.ca.

We're sorry to report we won't be able to obtain the following item from
your order:

J. Michael Straczynski (Author), et al "Rising Stars"

Although we'd expected to be able to send this item to you, we've since
found it's not available from any of our sources at this time. We
realize this is disappointing news to receive, and we apologize for any
inconvenience we've caused you.

We must apologize also for the length of time it's taken us to reach this
conclusion. Until recently, we'd still hoped to obtain this item for you.

We've cancelled this item from your order.

Your credit card will not be charged for this item, because you only pay
for items when we ship them to you.

We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this delay.

Your order is now closed.


That was regarding an order I passed on March 16 for the complete collection of Rising Stars in hardcover. I was really looking forward to reading it and started looking for the individual trades when I found this thing:

Rising Stars Compendium (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/item/books-978158240802/1582408025/Rising-Stars-Compendium?ref=Search+Books:+'J.+Michael+Straczynski')

Author: J. Michael Straczynski (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/35/search?sc=J.+Michael+Straczynski&sf=Author)|See more titles by J. Michael Straczynski (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/35/search?sc=J.+Michael+Straczynski&sf=Author)

<LABEL class=priceOld></LABEL>
<LABEL class=priceOld>From the Publisher

Collecting the entire Rising Stars: saga Featuring the entire series and limited series collections In this volume Rising Stars issues #1-#24 plus the limited series Rising Stars: Bright issues #1-#3, Voices of the Dead issues #1-#6 and Untouchable issues #1-#5 Plus Visitations collecting Rising Stars Prelude, issue #0, #1/2 and "A Lost Tale of the Specials" illustrated by Gary Frank. This trade paperback collection delivers the entire story and some insights into the lives of the Pederson Specials from J.Michael Straczynski's groundbreaking series </I></B>

</LABEL>

holy moly!!! :eek: This will be a huge collection and should be available this Fall. I'm getting all kinds of release dates between indigo.ca (oct. 1), amazon.ca (oct. 25), and amazon.com (dec. 25), but I will hold off any Rising Stars purchase until then. Amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Rising-Stars-Compendium-Michael-Straczynski/dp/1582408025/ref=sr_11_1/002-1328346-8631255?ie=UTF8&qid=1179246893&sr=11-1) says it will total 1280 pages. wow :eek:

Other than that, I've read New Universal up to #5 and thought it was very interesting. I'm currently Welcome to Tranquility (up to issue #5) and it's a whole different kind of thing. Pretty funny trying to think of some old people as super heroes past their prime. :D

[MikeVic]

I read Runaways volume 2 #1-12 a couple days ago. Liked it a lot. Can't wait for the #13-24 collection.

I think I'm going to switch to collections now. Easier to remember what happened in the previous issue if you just read it a few minutes ago. :)

[WVUFAN]

Just picked up my stack of comics from the last two weeks, including some of the free comics from Free Comic Book Day. Here's some of what I got:

Painkiller Jane #1(Dynamite): Woman on Woman topless kissing is cool. Oh, yeah, there's a bunch of fighting and really good dialogue as well. The topless kissing scene seemed to come out of nowhere, though, which makes me curious as to what the writer will go with the romance angle.

Death Dealer #1&#2 (Image): The art is FANTASTIC, but the story is a little lacking. It just may take time to develop.

The Umbrella Academy (Dark Horse): Free comic preview. Writer is Gerald Way, the lead singer of My Chemical Romance. the art is ... very Mike Mignola-ish without the detail, and the story is just doggone wierd. I read it through twice before I really got it, although one of the characters, "The Rumor" has a great power that I wish I had. :) Plus it's free.

Pirates vs Ninja (Antarctic): Free Comic. GET THIS COMIC. It's got great cartoony art, and a funny, funny story. Plus it's full sized -- a complete story. And it's free.

Hack/Slash #1 (DDP): I think I mentioned this before -- if you're a fan of horror books, this one is for you. Cassie Hack is the penultimate damsel in distress who has gotten tired of being in distress all the time, and goes after the serial killers and monsters instead of being the victim. It's got a good backstory, and it's a first issue of an ongoing -- you can get in from the ground floor. I'm a big fan of Tim Seeley, the writer. He's one of the few writers out there (with Robert Kirkman and Steve Niles) who just GETS how to do a decent horror book. I think he's the next big thing, and wouldn't be surprised to see him on a few DC or Marvel books in the next few years.

Mighty Avengers #3(Marvel): Bendis is getting better at this. I love the internal dialogue in this book. And Frank Cho can draw women, especially Tigra.

The Astonishing Wolf-Man(Image): Free comic. This is the full, complete first issue of an ongoing that they made into one of the Free Comics. From my understanding, it's been the most popular because a)it's not a preview, but the full first issue), and b)it's written by Robert Kirkman, and the last two ongoings he started with Image (Walking Dead and Invincible) and two of the best written comics out there today. It's free, and it's a great start to a series, although it's a horrible name for a title. :)

[FrogMan]

I have a bunch of those Hellblazer TPBs. It's somewhat of a mixed bag at times, but usually much more hit than miss, especially when you have the right combination of writer (especially anything written by Garth Ennis or Warren Ellis) and artist.

I am readig Red Sepulchre at the moment and enjoying it quite a bit.

I think Dangerous Habits is probably my favorite. I liked Son of Man quite a bit too.

I am reading Dangerous Habits at the moment and that's just brilliant stuff. I only have the last of the six collected issues left to read in it and that was just great, great stuff.

FM

[FrogMan]

following my discovery of an upcoming Rising Stars Compendium, I also found that this it will be part of Top Cow's Compendium collection that includes huge compendium versions for The Darkness and Witchblade, as well as Cyberforce.

Cyberforce I'm not too sure about but The Darkness and Witchblade seemed interesting enough, not least of the reasons is the name of Garth Ennis appearing on The Darkness creative team. I'm reading its first issue on the Top Cow website right now and it looks very interesting. Quite a freaking hottie on page 6. :eek:

A compendium edition presenting 1200+ pages for something like 45$cdn sure looks like a sweet deal...

Anybody has ever read one of these three series?

FM

[cuervo72]

FWIW, I thought the 2nd through 4th TPB's of Fables were all better than the first.

I'm among those who've picked up the first 52 TPB, working my way through it. Recently read the Day of Vengeance trade to get the backstory on Shadowpact, and want to pick up the Pentacle Plot trade to continue with that (those are all Willingham too).

On board for Countdown. Starting slow, but that's fine - I trust Dini.

[FrogMan]

Since last posting here, I've read the second the first two Astonishing X-Men trade as well as the second Y: The Last Man tpb and #2 & #3 Ex Machina trades. There were very good. Basically stuff from all over the map, but I enjoyed them all thoroughly. Thanks to you all in there who recommended them. All three series are now high on my list of future tpd buys...

I'm currently reading book 2 of Usagi Yojimbo and that one is a gem, a very cool lighthearted kind of book. I have posted a small introduction to the rabbit bodyguard on my karate blog and I'll repost it here:
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Usagi Yojimbo, you know him? (http://taming-the-horse-stance.blogspot.com/2007/06/usagi-yojimbo-you-know-him.html)



I can almost hear Mat scrambling to his Japanese-to-English dictionary, trying to translate the terms, Usagi Yojimbo. That is if he doesn't already know about the Rabbit Bodyguard... :)

Yup, that's what it means, Usagi means Rabbit and Yojimbo means Bodyguard. And where the heck have I found such a term you may ask? In the comic book series of the same name, written by Stan Sakai. The series has been going on strong for more than 20 years now, starting way back in 1986. It relates the story of a ronin (i.e. masterless) samurai who has become a bodyguard for hire. To help you understand, I'll simply repost the wikipedia entry for Usagi Yojimbo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usagi_Yojimbo):


Set primarily at the beginning of Edo period Japan (early 17th century), with anthropomorphic animals replacing humans, it features a rabbit ronin, Miyamoto Usagi, who wanders the land on a musha shugyo (warrior's pilgrimage) occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard. The character of Usagi has been inspired by the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi while the tone and inspirations of the stories are heavily influenced by Groo the Wanderer, Lone Wolf and Cub and the films of the acclaimed director Akira Kurosawa.

The books consist of short stories, and occasionally novel-length stories, with underlying larger plotlines which culminate in long extended story lines. The stories include many references to Japanese history and Japanese folklore, and sometimes include mythical creatures. The architecture, clothes, weapons, and other objects are drawn with a faithfulness to the period's style. There are often stories whose purpose is to illustrate various elements of Japanese arts and crafts, such as the fashioning of kites, swords, and pottery. Those efforts have been successful enough for the series to be awarded a Parent's Choice Award for its educational value. The series also follows the standard Japanese naming convention for all featured characters: their surname followed by their given name.


So yeah, Usagi (http://www.usagiyojimbo.com/) is a rabbit fighting with all sorts of other animals. Bad dudes can be rhinoceroses or wild cats or even moles. It is very cool and a lot of fun.

I'm currently reading book 2 of the collected series and while I loved book 1 a lot, book 2 is really where it picks up steam and explains a lot of stuff about Miyamoto Usagi. It's told as a sort of flashback story by Miyamoto Usagi himself, going back to how he was trained to be the samurai that he is now, and also how he came to be masterless.

The way it's told, you can tell that author Stan Sakai, a third generation Japanese-American who was born in Kyoto Japan but grew up in Hawaii and later in Calofornia, has done his research well. You can read and interview with him here where he tells about how he does his research and how his mom who was born and raised in Japan is his best source of information. Everything as authentic as one would think that feudal (early 17th century) Japan would feel.

Even better, it's a good read for kids too, at least for kids as young as 9 I would think. Sure there is swordfighting but the fights are not real graphic. At the same time, there's plenty of great teachings present in the books. The first example is how his teacher thaught him at first. He asked him to get wood and water and everytime he'd be close to him, he would bonk him in the head with a bambo pole. At first Usagi didn't understand why, until he started getting wary of the bambo pole and started always behind aware of his surrounding cause he would never know where the teacher would be to bonk him in the head. Behind a tree, at the corner of a clearing in the woods, right behind a door, etc. That part had a pretty strong Mr. Miyagi feeling to it where you'd look at how his sensei is teaching him and you'd wonder where he is going with it, then it hits you. Very cool.

There are also great teachings through the words of his wise teacher. Such as these gems: "As a samurai, you must strive for perfecton in body and spirit. Duty and honor are the essence of bushido, the way of the warrior, and should be preserved at the cost of your own life."

Sure, the same would probably not apply today, but remember, we're talking about early 17th century here. It fits...

Then there's more: " A samurai's body is the manifestation of his spirit. To have a strong body, you must have a strong spirit. So your inner self must be cultivated just as much as your outer shell..... The sword is the sould of the samurai and his badge of station. To appear in public without it is a disgrace. But behind the sould is the spirit. When you strike, first strike with your spirit. Look into your adversary's hara into his center being. Know how he will strike, before he, himself does. Often the duel is over before the first blow is even struck. reach out for your spirit. Feel for the hidden dangers lurking..."

And with that, as Usagi was walking under a tree branch loaded with snow, the teacher lightly tapped the branch above his head and before Usagi realized it, he was covered with snow. :)

And then even better, something I too take for my own self: "Every day of our lives is an education. You must strive to learn something new every day."

Sooooo simple, yet very true.

And there's more, this time relating more the what it's about to be a samurai: "The sword is not just a weapon. It's also a mirror. It reflects the soul of the samurai. It is the soul of the samurai. Just as the blade can be tarnished, so can the sould be corroded. Swordsmanship is a discipline and a way of strengthening one's inner self. So keep your soul sharp and clear. Remember... a true samurai does not look for a fight... but tries to avoid it. The best souls are those kept in their scabbards."

So much of that can also apply to us as martial artist. You too should not look for a fight but try to avoid it.

As you can see, these little teachings can even be understood by kiddos of around 9 to 12 years of age. And I'm sure they'll enjoy the samurais splitting flies in two with their swords. :)

I've read that this book is sort of difficult to find. I bought my copy from indigo.ca (http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Usagi-Yojimbo-Bk-2-Stan-Sakai/9780930193881-item.html?ref=Search+Books%3a+)(especially good for Canadian readers) but I see that amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Samurai-Usagi-Yojimbo-Book-2/dp/0930193881/ref=sr_11_1/002-1328346-8631255?ie=UTF8&qid=1181241670&sr=11-1) also have a few copies in stock.

I'm sure many smaller comic shops might have copies of it lying around, but I have found that indigo and amazon (either .ca or .com) are the cheaper ways to go when buying trade paperbacks of comic books.



Yeah, it was written with martial artists, or at least fans of martial arts in mind, but maybe one of you around here might like it.

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Since last posting here, I've read the second the first two Astonishing X-Men trade as well as the second Y: The Last Man tpb and #2 & #3 Ex Machina trades. There were very good. Basically stuff from all over the map, but I enjoyed them all thoroughly. Thanks to you all in there who recommended them. All three series are now high on my list of future tpd buys...

I'm currently reading book 2 of Usagi Yojimbo and that one is a gem, a very cool lighthearted kind of book. I have posted a small introduction to the rabbit bodyguard on my karate blog and I'll repost it here:



Yeah, it was written with martial artists, or at least fans of martial arts in mind, but maybe one of you around here might like it.

FM

I just finished the first two TPBs of "Ex Machina" and am about to finish the third "Y: The Last Man Standing" TPB as well. I like it. I've enjoyed Ex Machina more than Y, but both are great. It's the Brian Vaugh era at the H_B Mansion. I think he was really the last "must read" author I hadn't gotten around to.

I have third Astonishing X-Men sitting on my to read pile at home as well.

I think the latest Fables tpb just came out. I will definitely pick it up. I love the series.

[FrogMan]

As for what I have left to read, I plan on reading Identity Crisis next, then the first two Lucifer trades, and finally the first three New Avengers trades. The Avengers trade I got for some very good price and my two sons have one DVD of them, so I'll certainly have some mindless fun reading them. :)

After that, it should about time for me to order the second Powers hardcover (supposed to come out June 20th) as well as some other little things as I plan to have enough airmiles by then for a $50 gift card at indigo. :)

FM

[TonyR]

I hadn't read any comics since I was a lot younger, but reading that Joss Wheden was doing a Buffy comic got me interested.
Since I got the wife to watch all 7 seasons of Buffy, she agreed and we've been reading along now.

I also ended up picking up some of the Avengers spinoffs The Initiative, Omega Flight, and New Warriors. I ordered the Might Avengers and just waiting for them to be shipped.

This is another hobby that FOFC has reintroduced to me.

[hukarez]

$39.99 for a hardcover version of Planet Hulk TPB. :eek:

Should be available as of yesterday, from what I hear.

(Go Hulk!)

[FrogMan]

$39.99 for a hardcover version of Planet Hulk TPB. :eek:

Should be available as of yesterday, from what I hear.

(Go Hulk!)

is it that one (http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Hulk-Planet-Greg-Pak/dp/0785122451/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0572195-7422057?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181871202&sr=8-1)? $26.39 is a bit more swallowable, although they are announcing it as to be released on June 27th...

I know big online stores like amazon (and indigo.ca for Canadian shoppers) are not helping the little local comic bookstores, but too often, my wallet decides what I can buy, so the cheaper the better, for the same quality of course...

And Tony, welcome to the fold ;)

FM

[FrogMan]

dola, and Tony, if you've not read comics for a little while, you should be able to find trade paperbacks that collect older Buffy issues...

FM

[hukarez]

is it that one (http://www.amazon.com/Incredible-Hulk-Planet-Greg-Pak/dp/0785122451/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/105-0572195-7422057?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1181871202&sr=8-1)? $26.39 is a bit more swallowable, although they are announcing it as to be released on June 27th...

I know big online stores like amazon (and indigo.ca for Canadian shoppers) are not helping the little local comic bookstores, but too often, my wallet decides what I can buy, so the cheaper the better, for the same quality of course...

And Tony, welcome to the fold ;)

FM

Nice! That's the one. However, I'm always one for instant gratification, and the local manga house here in town got it's shipment Wednesday for full retail. I'd probably use my friend's member discount at a local Borders/Barnes and Noble if they happen to carry it in stock...

Which usually ends up being about a week or two from it's release date, I guess.

[WVUFAN]

Opinions on the big "Universe-changing" reveal in New Avengers #31?

[Honolulu_Blue]

dola, and Tony, if you've not read comics for a little while, you should be able to find trade paperbacks that collect older Buffy issues...

FM

I don't think there's a TPB out yet for the new Buffy series. I am waiting on that.

It's funny, I got my wife to watch Buffy too. I was viciously mocked for a good year or so after we met because I watched Buffy. I finally sat her down and we watched some. I was mocked no more. I don't think she ever made it to Seasons 6 or 7. I told her that, outside of a handful of episodes, it's really not worth it.

Comics-wise, I am in my Brian K. Vaughn era still. I'm reading "Y" at the moment and then will get back to "Ex Machina." I also plan to start picking up the "Runaways" TPB. I also just picked up the latest "Fables" TPB two days ago.

[FrogMan]

I don't think there's a TPB out yet for the new Buffy series. I am waiting on that.

oops, my bad. I just assumed that they had trades available.


Comics-wise, I am in my Brian K. Vaughn era still. I'm reading "Y" at the moment and then will get back to "Ex Machina." I also plan to start picking up the "Runaways" TPB. I also just picked up the latest "Fables" TPB two days ago.

While I read a bit of everything at the moment (just finished Identity Crisis and will read the first two Lucifer next) I'm really looking forward to the next time I get a chance to get my hands on some Y and some Ex Machina. I also have a pending order for the hardcover of the complete first series of Runaways but indigo seems to not be able to fulfill the order. I might have to go the tpb route with that one...

FM

[FrogMan]

Nice! That's the one. However, I'm always one for instant gratification, and the local manga house here in town got it's shipment Wednesday for full retail. I'd probably use my friend's member discount at a local Borders/Barnes and Noble if they happen to carry it in stock...

Which usually ends up being about a week or two from it's release date, I guess.

yeah, damn instant gratification ;)

I'm too much of a cheapskate though, and I know I'm so behind the times, meaning there's just too much that I have not read and that is out there for the taking that I can wait a little for one or another. That's what I'll do for the second Powers hardcover which should be out at some point and will maybe take a bit more time to get through indigo or amazon, but will be much cheaper...

FM

[TonyR]

I don't think there's a TPB out yet for the new Buffy series. I am waiting on that.

It's funny, I got my wife to watch Buffy too. I was viciously mocked for a good year or so after we met because I watched Buffy. I finally sat her down and we watched some. I was mocked no more. I don't think she ever made it to Seasons 6 or 7. I told her that, outside of a handful of episodes, it's really not worth it.

Comics-wise, I am in my Brian K. Vaughn era still. I'm reading "Y" at the moment and then will get back to "Ex Machina." I also plan to start picking up the "Runaways" TPB. I also just picked up the latest "Fables" TPB two days ago.

That's how it was for my wife. She was like you watch what? I finally just started watching them again from the begining, then she sat in, and got into it too. As for older comics, the reason I got into it was because it goes with the TV series, so that is why I went after Buffy comics.
BTW, she's reading the comics too. :D

[FrogMan]

I also have a pending order for the hardcover of the complete first series of Runaways but indigo seems to not be able to fulfill the order. I might have to go the tpb route with that one...

FM

Had some good news waiting for me in my email inbox last night. Indigo have been able to ship my order for the first Runaways hardcover. Should get to me in a few days. weehee! :)

Add to that a $50 gift card with indigo.ca thanks to some airmiles with my credit card and I should have another order to make any day now. Plenty of reading for the nice summer days... And just in time to order the 2nd Powers hardcover... :cool:

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Had some good news waiting for me in my email inbox last night. Indigo have been able to ship my order for the first Runaways hardcover. Should get to me in a few days. weehee! :)

Add to that a $50 gift card with indigo.ca thanks to some airmiles with my credit card and I should have another order to make any day now. Plenty of reading for the nice summer days... And just in time to order the 2nd Powers hardcover... :cool:

FM

Let me know about Runaways. It's next on my "to buy list."

I just orded the last few Y: The Last Man Standing tpbs and the most recent Walking Dead.

I fear that after this summer, I will have run out of tpbs to buy...

[MikeVic]

Had some good news waiting for me in my email inbox last night. Indigo have been able to ship my order for the first Runaways hardcover. Should get to me in a few days. weehee! :)

Add to that a $50 gift card with indigo.ca thanks to some airmiles with my credit card and I should have another order to make any day now. Plenty of reading for the nice summer days... And just in time to order the 2nd Powers hardcover... :cool:

FM

Is it the first volume hardcover?? I ordered it awhile ago, but don't have it yet. I've ordered and read volume 2 and 3 already though. Found them really enjoying.

I'd say Brian K. Vaughan is becoming my second favourite writer. I should pick up some Y: The Last Man... do they come in hardcover collections, or something more than just 5 or 6 issue TPBs?

[FrogMan]

Let me know about Runaways. It's next on my "to buy list."

Might be a little while before I get to it. I going through the first Lucifer at the moment, kinda weird and slow paced for now, then I have the second of the series and the first three New Avengers trades I wanted to get to before digging into Runaways, cause well, I was not even sure I'd get it, heh.


I just orded the last few Y: The Last Man Standing tpbs and the most recent Walking Dead.

I fear that after this summer, I will have run out of tpbs to buy...

I'm expecting some extra bonus money at work and might use it on a bunch of Y: The Last Man trades, like 5 or 6 of them at once. We shall see.

As for running out of trades, phew, I don't see that day coming anytime soon for me. :D There's just too much stuff I learn about everyday, from Lucifer, to Preacher, to more going back to get more traditional superhero stuff like the Ultimate Spider-Man series from the beginning. Baby steps, baby steps... :)

I just added Avengers Classic (http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=113774) to my standing order. Have you guys seen that one? Includes a reprint of the original Avengers and some new stories featuring Stan "the man" Lee himself talking with the Avengers. Looked cool enough to make me want to follow it on a monthly basis.

FM

[FrogMan]

Is it the first volume hardcover?? I ordered it awhile ago, but don't have it yet. I've ordered and read volume 2 and 3 already though. Found them really enjoying.

The one I ordered and that they are shipping to me is a hardcover:
http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Runaways-Volume-1-Hc-Brian-K-Vaughan/9780785118763-item.html?ref=Search+Books:+'Brian+K+Vaughan'

From what I understand, it includes the first 18 issues of Runaways, or the equivalent of the first three tpbs.


I'd say Brian K. Vaughan is becoming my second favourite writer. I should pick up some Y: The Last Man... do they come in hardcover collections, or something more than just 5 or 6 issue TPBs?

I've not seen Y: The Last Man in anything other than 5-6 issues tpbs, no. There are now 9 of them out btw...

FM

[FrogMan]

Let me know about Runaways. It's next on my "to buy list."

Might be a little while before I get to it. I going through the first Lucifer at the moment, kinda weird and slow paced for now, then I have the second of the series and the first three New Avengers trades I wanted to get to before digging into Runaways, cause well, I was not even sure I'd get it, heh.

Okay, what's with what I had to read before and the nice weather kicking in (i.e. me spending more time in the pool and there's no way I'd bring that nice book anywhere near that much water), I hav finally read that Runaways first hardcover and let me tell you, that was a GREAT read. Very entertaining and highly recommended. I loved the plot behind the 18 issues mega story arc, very well done by BKV. I will be getting hardcover #2 very soon...



I'm expecting some extra bonus money at work and might use it on a bunch of Y: The Last Man trades, like 5 or 6 of them at once. We shall see.


That bonus money was confirmed last Friday and should be paid out this week. My order for trades #3 to #8 of Y: The Last Man has already been placed to DCBService.com although it may be a little while before I see them, as they act more like a mailorder kind of place and will collect all of my order before shipping it out...

FM

[WVUFAN]

I picked up 2 months worth of comics today, and after paying $160.00. I have much more on my pull list than I though.

Comics I picked up today:

Thor #1
Nova #2 and #3
Countdown #47-#40
Avengers Classic #1 and #2
New Warriors #1 and #2
Gen-13 #8 - #10
Welcome to Tranquility #6-#8
Madame Mirage #1
Fall of Cthulhu #4
The Order #1
Highlander #8
Drafted Preview
Fangoria Comic's Bump #1 and #2
Brave and the Bold #4
New Avengers #31 and #32
Astounding Wolf-Man #2
Painkiller Jane #2
Dynamo 5 #2-#5
Mighty Avengers #4
Avengers Initiative #3
Iron Fist #7
Justice Society of America #7
JLA #10-#11
Hack/Slash #2 and #3

I might need to cut down a bit.

[hukarez]

I picked up 2 months worth of comics today, and after paying $160.00. I have much more on my pull list than I though.

Comics I picked up today:

Thor #1
Nova #2 and #3
Countdown #47-#40
Avengers Classic #1 and #2
New Warriors #1 and #2
Gen-13 #8 - #10
Welcome to Tranquility #6-#8
Madame Mirage #1
Fall of Cthulhu #4
The Order #1
Highlander #8
Drafted Preview
Fangoria Comic's Bump #1 and #2
Brave and the Bold #4
New Avengers #31 and #32
Astounding Wolf-Man #2
Painkiller Jane #2
Dynamo 5 #2-#5
Mighty Avengers #4
Avengers Initiative #3
Iron Fist #7
Justice Society of America #7
JLA #10-#11
Hack/Slash #2 and #3

I might need to cut down a bit.

Well, you and I both. I just went through $600 at the Comic Con here in San Diego, and we're just at the halfway point! :eek:

[FrogMan]

oomph, you guys make me feel a bit better about my tiny $25-30 a month, although I gotta say that's for the pull list alone. I usually add almost as much, maybe a bit more, for trades...

I just started reading the first hardcover of Ultimate Fantastic Four after reading the third Usagi Yojimbo trade...

FM

[Richard Weed]

I just spent $170 on 500 bags, 500 boards, 10 boxes and 25 dividers. Ugh. Shipping alone was $66. I got it from www.comicsupply.com (http://www.comicsupply.com). After reading a little about the San Diego Comicon, I was wondering if anyone else would be interested in going next year and sharing a room, etc.

[law90026]

Just read the first volume of 52. Not bad.

[WVUFAN]

I just spent $170 on 500 bags, 500 boards, 10 boxes and 25 dividers. Ugh. Shipping alone was $66. I got it from www.comicsupply.com (http://www.comicsupply.com). After reading a little about the San Diego Comicon, I was wondering if anyone else would be interested in going next year and sharing a room, etc.

I usually go to WW Chicago each year. Never been to the Comic-Con. I heard it's crazy.

[WVUFAN]

I just spent $170 on 500 bags, 500 boards, 10 boxes and 25 dividers. Ugh. Shipping alone was $66. I got it from www.comicsupply.com (http://www.comicsupply.com). After reading a little about the San Diego Comicon, I was wondering if anyone else would be interested in going next year and sharing a room, etc.

Dola ...

I usually get my stuff from tcbulk.com for comic supplies. Using your example above:

1000 Modern Comic Backing boards -- $46.00
1000 Modern Resealable Comic Bags -- $32.50
10 long boxes -- $24.00

Shipping -- $40.50

TOTAL: $143.00 -- and you get double what you ordered. Regular comic bags are cheaper, but I love the resealables, since you don't have to put tape on them.

www.tcbulk.com

[kurtism]

FWIW, I've mentioned them before - http://www.impulsecreations.net/ is a great online comics resource. Bags and boards free with subscription purchases, and if you spend $50+ per month, shipping is free as well. The final kicker is that they discount off the cover, the percentage increases with the size of your order...

[Richard Weed]

Dola ...

I usually get my stuff from tcbulk.com for comic supplies. Using your example above:

1000 Modern Comic Backing boards -- $46.00
1000 Modern Resealable Comic Bags -- $32.50
10 long boxes -- $24.00

Shipping -- $40.50

TOTAL: $143.00 -- and you get double what you ordered. Regular comic bags are cheaper, but I love the resealables, since you don't have to put tape on them.

www.tcbulk.com (http://www.tcbulk.com)
Thanks. I got the resealables too. I also picked up Thor #1 (both covers) from that website too, so that added another $6. In any case, those are much better prices.

[lordscarlet]

I just want to say that Eric Powell's Artwork in Action Comics #855 is amazing.

http://dccomics.com/media/covers/7800_400x600.jpg (http://dccomics.com/media/excerpts/7800_x.pdf)

[WVUFAN]

For those who love comics but do not live near a comic shop or dislike the shop near them, might I recommend www.heavyink.com -- great site to set up a subscription. Whether it be 1 book or 30, shipping is entirely free. I live in West Virginia and I get my shipment in 3 days, and it decent condition. Comics are shipped weekly, even if it's just 1 book. It's got a nice site set-up and a system of recommendations, especially for the indie books.

[FrogMan]

For those who love comics but do not live near a comic shop or dislike the shop near them, might I recommend www.heavyink.com (http://www.heavyink.com) -- great site to set up a subscription. Whether it be 1 book or 30, shipping is entirely free. I live in West Virginia and I get my shipment in 3 days, and it decent condition. Comics are shipped weekly, even if it's just 1 book. It's got a nice site set-up and a system of recommendations, especially for the indie books.

thanks for the recommendation. I got fed up with my online shop which, while it was in Canada and all, had to be checked and double checked on every shipment and shipped only every two months that I had decided to stop reading comics by the issue back in late November. Guess what I got in the mail today... A shipment from them, despite me communicating with them that I wanted them to close my standing order!!! Sure enough, they didn't send it for free, but I'll enjoy them anyway. I'm gonna make sure they get the message this time and will probably set my subscription with heavyink.

I like their whole setup, very well done with a cool concept around it and everything. They do ship to Canada, for MikeVic among others, and from their help page, it should only be a $3.99 surcharge per shipment to get delivery to Canada. I just sent them an email to make sure it's indeed the deal.

Once you upgrade your shipments to the $3.99 option, you can set the frequency at which they will ship you so I'd probably set it to once a month and it wouldn't cost me more than a trip in car to the nearest comic shop (about one hour roundtrip)...

FM

[Bonegavel]

For those who love comics but do not live near a comic shop or dislike the shop near them, might I recommend www.heavyink.com (http://www.heavyink.com) -- great site to set up a subscription. Whether it be 1 book or 30, shipping is entirely free. I live in West Virginia and I get my shipment in 3 days, and it decent condition. Comics are shipped weekly, even if it's just 1 book. It's got a nice site set-up and a system of recommendations, especially for the indie books.

Do you get the free shipping and if so, how is it shipped?

[FrogMan]

Do you get the free shipping and if so, how is it shipped?

From their help page:

How much is shipping?

Shipping is free to US addresses, on every order!

What shipping upgrades are available?

If you want to upgrade from Free Shipping (the somewhat slow USPS media mail), we also offer UPS. UPS costs just $3.99 per shipment, and gives quicker delivery, insurance, delivery to Canada, and the ability to track your packages.

When do my items ship?

If you use Free Shipping, we ship your items as soon as they're in stock...but occasionally we'll hold on to one item for a day or two to batch it up with another item and put them in the same shipment.
If you upgrade to UPS, you get to pick how many shipments you want: just one, to minimize cost, or multiple, to get you your items as soon as possible. We let you specify these details.

How do I specify which shipping option I want?

At checkout you get to specify. We also keep your shipping preferences on file, to make the checkout process speedier. You can change your preferences via your account settings page (http://heavyink.com/settings).

Do you ship to Puerto Rico / APO / FPO addresses?

Yes!

Do you ship outside of the US?

At this point, we ship to the US and Canada. Eventually, we hope to ship world-wide.

How long does shipping take?

When an item is in stock, orders placed by 8am EST ship the same day. In-stock items in orders placed after 8am ship the next weekday morning. Orders ship from Massachusetts.
Free Shipping (via the USPS) usually takes 2-9 business days, but may take longer.
Premium Shipping (UPS Ground) usually 2-3 days, guaranteed 5 days or less.

Can you tell me the tracking number for my order?

On Free Shipping, the Post Office doesn't use tracking numbers, so we can not give tracking numbers to you. Sorry. If you want tracking numbers, we recommend Premium Shipping.
All packages sent via Premium Shipping have tracking numbers. We email tracking numbers to you and display them in your "shipments" page on the website.

Why don't you ship to my country? Can't you make an exception?

In order to ship you comics, we need to
(a) understand the customs fees, workarounds, and waiting periods
(b) understand the shipping fees
(c) have legal recourse in the event of a loss of shipment.
(d) understand any legal restraints on content (Might certain words be considered obscene in some areas?)
(e) instruct our staff on different shipping procedures
To justify the research and work for each country, we have to expect a very large volume of business.
To date, we have only decided to ship to a just the US and Canada. In the future, we hope to ship to more countries.



FM

[Bonegavel]

I read that too. I was just wondering how they are packaged. Sturdy cardboard, paper wrapping, etc.

[FrogMan]

I read that too. I was just wondering how they are packaged. Sturdy cardboard, paper wrapping, etc.

ah, better question that way :)

FM

[WVUFAN]

Do you get the free shipping and if so, how is it shipped?

Yeah, I get the free shipping. The shipments are sent in a large thick white envelope. Sometimes the corner of the first book in the stack is slightly bent, but that's rather rare. On the whole, they come in fantastic shape.

What I really like about it is the fact that until they ship (if you get them weekly, they ship late Thursday/early Friday), you can add/cancel any books. You're not stuck with a title you ordered 3 months ago, like Westfall or other subscription services.

[FrogMan]

are they boarded/bagged in anyway inside that envelope?

FM

[FrogMan]

What I really like about it is the fact that until they ship (if you get them weekly, they ship late Thursday/early Friday), you can add/cancel any books. You're not stuck with a title you ordered 3 months ago, like Westfall or other subscription services.

dola, and I agree, the fact you can cancel up until they ship, and that it's pretty much all automatized make it a very nice "comic shop in your house" kind of thing...

FM

[WVUFAN]

are they boarded/bagged in anyway inside that envelope?

FM

No bags or boards, which is fine for me, since I have peel and stick bags/boards to put them in.

When I find my USB cord, I'll snap a shot of the material it comes in.

[lordscarlet]

My city snobbery will not allow me to use a shipping service. :) Shop local!

[lordscarlet]

dola: and mild hippiness

[Bonegavel]

I like my local store, but the thought of having them sitting at home when I get there and not having to travel to that section of town is appealing.

My concern is that the 20% is a teaser (my local shop does %25) and it will stop at some point.

Anyone know where this place is located?

[WVUFAN]

The address from my shipments say:

7 Central St
Suite 140
Arlington, MA 02476

[WVUFAN]

My city snobbery will not allow me to use a shipping service. :) Shop local!

I would prefer a local shop too. There's not one within 150 miles of my current home. When I was in Huntington, I was fine, but there's nothing here. :confused:

[WVUFAN]

dola ...

Here's the type of envelope the comics come in.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh217/WVUFan1971/DSCF0010.jpg

[FrogMan]

sorta cool news, shipping to Canada is for now the same as shipping to the US, free, although the guy did say he didn't think they'd be able to maintain it.

Gonna put a tiny subscription list together with them and will await a shipment or two to decide what I do after that...

WVUFan, do you know how we can add each other as friend on our pages?

FM

[WVUFAN]

sorta cool news, shipping to Canada is for now the same as shipping to the US, free, although the guy did say he didn't think they'd be able to maintain it.

Gonna put a tiny subscription list together with them and will await a shipment or two to decide what I do after that...

WVUFan, do you know how we can add each other as friend on our pages?

FM

Yeah, just PM me your email address and I can send you an invite.

[FrogMan]

PM sent! :)

FM

[FrogMan]

I see that WVUFan has subscribed to it, but I thought it might be worth to mention here, given the kind of crowd we are. The first issue of a new Blood Bowl (http://heavyink.com/comic/3673-Blood-Bowl-1) miniseries should be released on April 9, from Boom! Studios. Seemed interesting enough for me to add it to my pull list.

Also, anybody else here reading the new Warren Ellis webcomics, FreakAngels (http://www.freakangels.com/)? Episode 2 just got released, I like it so far, and it's free... :)

FM

[FrogMan]

given all the good reviews the season 8 of Buffy has been getting, I'm thinking of picking up the first trade (issues 1-5) and then subscribing to it from there. Thing is, I've never followed it on TV, nor have I read any of the previous comics. Will I be completely lost and will my Buffy newbieness make it unenjoyable or would I still enjoy it?

Also, I'm sure most of you know, but they have now released three Omnibus trades of Buffy in the last few months with a fourth coming up in May.

FM

[MikeVic]

I'm collecting the Buffy trades. And will collect Angel once it gets in trade form. Also bought the three Omnibuses. Read the first, on the second.

I've seen both Buffy and Angel recently, so I don't know if you'll be lost.

[Honolulu_Blue]

given all the good reviews the season 8 of Buffy has been getting, I'm thinking of picking up the first trade (issues 1-5) and then subscribing to it from there. Thing is, I've never followed it on TV, nor have I read any of the previous comics. Will I be completely lost and will my Buffy newbieness make it unenjoyable or would I still enjoy it?

Also, I'm sure most of you know, but they have now released three Omnibus trades of Buffy in the last few months with a fourth coming up in May.

FM

I got the Buffy trade for Christmas, but haven't read it yet. Lady H_B read it recently, however. I got her into Buffy and she watched the first five seasons, but did not watch any of the last two and she was lost. Very lost.

Buffy, more than most shows, has a very consistent story and new episodes often referred back to older episodes.

My guess is that not only would you be lost, but you really wouldn't be able to get the full enjoyment from the series without knowing all of the "inside jokes" and the importance/meaning of past characters and events.

My recommendation: Sign up to Netflix, or the Canadian equivalent, and start rent Buffy DVDs. You will not be disappointed.

Since I'm in the comics thread...

I got quite the haul for Christmas. In addition to the Buffy trade, I also got "The League of Extraordinary Gentlement: Black Dossier", the latest "Ex Machina" book, the first two hardback volumes of "Runaways", and the first two "Jack of Fables" trades.

I love all things Brian K. Vaughn. The guy simply writes amazing dialogue. I can't wait for the last "Y: The Last Man" trade to come out in June. I will pretty much collect anything he writes. I'd highly recommend both "Ex Machina" and "Runaways".

"Black Dossier" was a bit... odd. Not surprising given that it's Alan Moore, but he's sort of veered off a bit into this whole pornographic phase of his career. (see, e.g., Lost Girls) and there is certainly some of that running throughout "Black Dossier." I am not a prude, but it was a bit surprising. That said, I really enjoy the "League" world and all of the literary references, though many were well above my head. It was an interesting read and certainly inspired me to look up various allusions and what not. It's different from the first two volumes for sure, but a good pick up nonetheless.

I love "Fables" and the "Jack" spin-offs were more of the same. The books are funny, well-written, and very interesting. Jack's a complete ass, but in a most enjoyable way.

I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next "Fables", "Jack of Fables," "Y: The Last Man", and "Astonishing X-Men" trades. They should all be arriving sometime in June...

[MikeVic]

Wow H_B we have similar tastes. I love anything BKV as well. I've been reading Ex Machina and have the three hardbacks of Runaways as well.

I love Whedon and BKV, so I love how it seems like they're interconnecting somehow. Whedon took over Runaways while BKV took over Buffy.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Wow H_B we have similar tastes. I love anything BKV as well. I've been reading Ex Machina and have the three hardbacks of Runaways as well.

I love Whedon and BKV, so I love how it seems like they're interconnecting somehow. Whedon took over Runaways while BKV took over Buffy.

I agree! The two really seem to have respect for one another's work (rightfully so) and definitely seem to be on the same wave length when it comes to characters, stories, plots, etc.

I am definitely looking forward to their respective runs on the other's bboks.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Dola

Give our similar tastes, I would recommend "Fables" if you haven't already. It's different, but incredibly enjoyable.

[WVUFAN]

I agree! The two really seem to have respect for one another's work (rightfully so) and definitely seem to be on the same wave length when it comes to characters, stories, plots, etc.

I am definitely looking forward to their respective runs on the other's bboks.

The BKV arc on Buffy was fantastic. He really has a grasp on the Faith character. I've really not had a chance to read any of his other work, though.

[FrogMan]

I got the Buffy trade for Christmas, but haven't read it yet. Lady H_B read it recently, however. I got her into Buffy and she watched the first five seasons, but did not watch any of the last two and she was lost. Very lost.

Buffy, more than most shows, has a very consistent story and new episodes often referred back to older episodes.

My guess is that not only would you be lost, but you really wouldn't be able to get the full enjoyment from the series without knowing all of the "inside jokes" and the importance/meaning of past characters and events.

My recommendation: Sign up to Netflix, or the Canadian equivalent, and start rent Buffy DVDs. You will not be disappointed.


Thanks for your input. It's about the same that I'm being told by guys on Heavy Ink so I will probably not follow up on Buffy, at least not for now.

I don't have much plans to watch the series either, although I'm sure it's quite good, based on what everyone's been saying. Just don't have enough time for TV right now... I might be getting an Omnibus book in the future, or eventually all four of them, then the season eight trades. You think I'd be less lost, or is season 8 really mean you have to have followed all the TV seasons prior to it?


Since I'm in the comics thread...

I got quite the haul for Christmas. In addition to the Buffy trade, I also got "The League of Extraordinary Gentlement: Black Dossier", the latest "Ex Machina" book, the first two hardback volumes of "Runaways", and the first two "Jack of Fables" trades.

I love all things Brian K. Vaughn. The guy simply writes amazing dialogue. I can't wait for the last "Y: The Last Man" trade to come out in June. I will pretty much collect anything he writes. I'd highly recommend both "Ex Machina" and "Runaways".

"Black Dossier" was a bit... odd. Not surprising given that it's Alan Moore, but he's sort of veered off a bit into this whole pornographic phase of his career. (see, e.g., Lost Girls) and there is certainly some of that running throughout "Black Dossier." I am not a prude, but it was a bit surprising. That said, I really enjoy the "League" world and all of the literary references, though many were well above my head. It was an interesting read and certainly inspired me to look up various allusions and what not. It's different from the first two volumes for sure, but a good pick up nonetheless.

I love "Fables" and the "Jack" spin-offs were more of the same. The books are funny, well-written, and very interesting. Jack's a complete ass, but in a most enjoyable way.

I am anxiously awaiting the release of the next "Fables", "Jack of Fables," "Y: The Last Man", and "Astonishing X-Men" trades. They should all be arriving sometime in June...

I too enjoy BKV quite a lot. Got Paper Dolls and Kimono Dragons still to read in Y: The Last Man and I just started the March to War trade in Ex Machina. I got the next one to read too and will order the following one that'll bring me to issue #29. I have issues #30-34 at home and it's on my pull list now.

I finished the Captain America Omnibus a few weeks ago, really well done stuff. I'm currently reading Volume 1 of Essential Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man, mostly before going to bed, so very slowly. I had given a list of Essential titles to my mom and that one was the only she was able to find for the X-mas period.

My pull list stands as follows on Heavy Ink at the moment:

Marvel Comics Presents (http://heavyink.com/title/445-Marvel-Comics-Presents)
Mighty Avengers (http://heavyink.com/title/570-Mighty-Avengers)
Tranquility Armageddon (http://heavyink.com/title/739-Tranquility-Armageddon)
Ex Machina (http://heavyink.com/title/104-Ex-Machina)
Avengers Classic (http://heavyink.com/title/27-Avengers-Classic)
Immortal Iron Fist (http://heavyink.com/title/154-Immortal-Iron-Fist)
Blood Bowl (http://heavyink.com/title/2064-Blood-Bowl)
Iron Man Legacy Of Doom (http://heavyink.com/title/2039-Iron-Man-Legacy-Of-Doom)
Secret Invasion (http://heavyink.com/title/2041-Secret-Invasion)
Locke & Key (http://heavyink.com/title/1859-Locke-Key)
Nearly Infamous Zango (http://heavyink.com/title/1952-Nearly-Infamous-Zango)
Gate Of The East Wind (http://heavyink.com/title/2087-Gate-Of-The-East-Wind)
Criminal 2 (http://heavyink.com/title/1818-Criminal-2)
Kick Ass (http://heavyink.com/title/1819-Kick-Ass)
Envoy (http://heavyink.com/title/2078-Envoy)
Gabriel (http://heavyink.com/title/2080-Gabriel)
Succubus (http://heavyink.com/title/2082-Succubus)I'm also thinking of adding Fell from Warren Ellis. Anybody reading it? I really like the premise behind it...

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Thanks for your input. It's about the same that I'm being told by guys on Heavy Ink so I will probably not follow up on Buffy, at least not for now.

I don't have much plans to watch the series either, although I'm sure it's quite good, based on what everyone's been saying. Just don't have enough time for TV right now... I might be getting an Omnibus book in the future, or eventually all four of them, then the season eight trades. You think I'd be less lost, or is season 8 really mean you have to have followed all the TV seasons prior to it?
FM

FM, I can't answer that really. I never read any of the other Buffy comics, so I am not sure how they fit in with the current series. As I understand it "Season 8" is direct continuation of the TV show, so I imagine you'd still be lost. Though, I am not sure what the old Buffy comics are like.

[FrogMan]

FM, I can't answer that really. I never read any of the other Buffy comics, so I am not sure how they fit in with the current series. As I understand it "Season 8" is direct continuation of the TV show, so I imagine you'd still be lost. Though, I am not sure what the old Buffy comics are like.

ok, thanks for the input. It's not like I'm out of stuff to try anyway. I could go years before I run out of new things to buy/try/read so I'll see in the future... :)

FM

[MikeVic]

Omnibus 1 is all before she gets to Sunnydale. So it happens before the first season. I think there were some references to stuff that ends up happening, but you shouldn't be lost.

The first.... 20% or so of Omnibus 2 so far has been before season 1 as well, but it looks to be getting into season 1 shortly.

The biggest thing though, is that something that happens in season 5 (I think it was season 5) of the show... that had ramifications for the past... does show up a lot in the Omnibuses. It's not confusing, but it'll be a different way to get into the Buffy story.

[WVUFAN]

FrogMan, I noticed you got your comics. What did you think of the service so far?

[FrogMan]

FrogMan, I noticed you got your comics. What did you think of the service so far?

oh, yeah, I meant to get back in here and report about it but just forgot. Great service so far, very, very impressed. The guys who run the show over there are very helpful and friendly guys.

The five comics in my first shipment came in the same kind of envelope you showed in your picture and the comics were in absolutely crisp, no dent at all. I was not too worried about it to be honest, since I get my comics to read them and not simply to collect them, so I'll take them even if one corner of one of them comes cuffed. It's also very hard to beat the free shipping to Canada for now...

My first 5 comics are mostly stuff I can't read right right away simply because I'm behind on my reading of most my series. Next week's should be quite interesting with first issues of Criminal 2, Doctor Who (the new series for the American market), Locke & Key (very much anticipating this one), and Nearly Infamous Zango on their way.

The whole site has made me discover many series that I've subscribed to, at least as trials. The "social networking" idea behind the whole shop is probably what would come close to going to your local comic shop and talking with people about what they like and what not. And also, the fact you can cancel any subscription up to the day it ships is pretty neat. That way, you can order a one-shot special if you want to, or even subscribed to one mini series and that's it...

Speaking of interesting mini series, and seeing how many here seems to like Brian K Vaughan (me included), I'd like to point you toward Logan (http://heavyink.com/title/1947-Logan), a three issues mini series by BKV that will dig into the origins of Wolverine. I've already read a pre-release review that was saying it was a must-read.

Also, might be of interest to some here, since I remember some talked about the original NewUniversal series. Warren Ellis will be writing a second 6 issues mini series called NewUniversal Shockfront (http://heavyink.com/title/2799-Newuniversal-Shockfront) that follows up on the first mini series. Issue #1 set to ship in Mid-May.

If anybody signs up to HeavyInk, here's a link to my profile over there (http://heavyink.com/user/1355).

Post a blurb on my page and I'll add you as a friend...

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Speaking of interesting mini series, and seeing how many here seems to like Brian K Vaughan (me included), I'd like to point you toward Logan (http://heavyink.com/title/1947-Logan), a three issues mini series by BKV that will dig into the origins of Wolverine. I've already read a pre-release review that was saying it was a must-read.

Thanks for the head's up, FM. That looks pretty sweet. Other than "Astonishing X-Men", I haven't gone near an X-Men book in sometime. The last thing prior to that was that whole "Woverine Origins" story that came out about 4-5 years ago. It was awful. I hated it.

That said, BKV + Wolverine = All goooood....

[FrogMan]

Thanks for the head's up, FM. That looks pretty sweet. Other than "Astonishing X-Men", I haven't gone near an X-Men book in sometime. The last thing prior to that was that whole "Woverine Origins" story that came out about 4-5 years ago. It was awful. I hated it.

That said, BKV + Wolverine = All goooood....


Glad to be of help. Here's a link to the advance review. It's vague enough not to spoil too much stuff, yet it pretty much sold me on the concept:
http://comicpants.com/2008/03/03/short-pants-30308/

FM

[FrogMan]

dola, the artist for that series is the guy who's also doing 100 Bullets btw...

FM

[kurtism]

dola, the artist for that series is the guy who's also doing 100 Bullets btw...

FM

Eduardo Risso is awesome. I won't budge from my stance that he draws the sexiest women in comicdom.

[SFL Cat]

Comic Books? Yeah, back when the cost 25 cents to buy. Marvel ruled!!! Nuff said.

[hukarez]

Just FYI -

Grab yourself the TPB of Marvel's Super Villain Team-Up - Modok's 11 if you can.

Also, Volume 2 of Ennis' The Boyz is out.

[MikeVic]

My letter to Deadpool is in issue #50 f Cable and Deadpool (last issue :(). :D The first letter there.

[hukarez]

My letter to Deadpool is in issue #50 f Cable and Deadpool (last issue :(). :D The first letter there.

Can't wait for Volume 8 of that TPB to come out... now if they only can put all these in a fantastic hardcover...

Oh! Bryan Hitch doing the art for the Fantastic Four... great stuff!

[MikeVic]

Can't wait for Volume 8 of that TPB to come out... now if they only can put all these in a fantastic hardcover...

Oh! Bryan Hitch doing the art for the Fantastic Four... great stuff!

Yeah I'd buy a hardcover. Only started reading in the 20s, and bought #1 and 2 when they were on sale.

[cuervo72]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

[Honolulu_Blue]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

I will pretty much read anything that has Deadshot in. Since he's a pretty minor character in the DC Universe, however, that's a very narrow range. (Suicide Squad, Villians United, Secret Six, etc.)

Other than that... I try to keep tabs on the major goings ons and will pick up a trade paperback if something looks particularly interesting or cool.

Any suggestions?

[FrogMan]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

how about indies fans? ;)

I've been on a nice run of a bit of everything lately, mostly thanks to HeavyInk, where I keep browsing and discovering new stuff. Sample (with links) of stuff I've read (and loved) lately:
Criminal 2 #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/2754-Criminal-2-1)
Kick Ass #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/2755-Kick-Ass-1)
Locke & Key #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/2867-Locke-Key-1)
Nearly Infamous Zango #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/3184-Nearly-Infamous-Zango-1)
Terry Moore's Echo #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/3185-Terry-Moores-Echo-1)

Stuff currently in the mail and that I'm very much looking forward to read:
Atomic Robo #1 to #6 (http://heavyink.com/title/514-Atomic-Robo)
Adolescent Radioactive Black Belt Hamsters #1 (http://heavyink.com/comic/2127-Adolescent-Radioactive-Black-Belt-Hamsters-1) :)
Painkiller Jane #4, #5 (http://heavyink.com/comic/1542-Painkiller-Jane-4) and Terminator 2 Infinity #6 (http://heavyink.com/comic/2063-Terminator-2-Infinity-6) (or part 1, 2, 3 of 4 of the crossover between the two series)
as well as Locke & Key #2, some Mighty Avengers, Immortal Iron Fist and Civil War Chronicles #9.

Lots of fun :)

FM

[lordscarlet]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

The only Marvel I buy is Deadpool, X-Men and New X-Men. I am very much a DC guy.

[kurtism]

FrogMan: If you are going indy, try RASL by Jeff Smith (the man who gave us Bone). Issue one came out about a month ago. No idea where the story will go, but Smith gets a lifetime pass for Bone.

*Unsolicited Recommendation Alert*

If you have kids, buy Bone - Amazon has the one-volume edition, over 1300 pp for under $30. I have (and love) that version, but plan to buy the 9 (7 currently published) colored editions from Scholastic. Been reading a chapter or so every night to my almost-5-year old, and she loves it. Even got her a Fone Bone plush for Easter, she won't put him down :)

[Fidatelo]

The giant one-volume edition of Bone is a great book, and even better value. I would recommend that to anyone and everyone.

[cuervo72]

I will pretty much read anything that has Deadshot in. Since he's a pretty minor character in the DC Universe, however, that's a very narrow range. (Suicide Squad, Villians United, Secret Six, etc.)

Other than that... I try to keep tabs on the major goings ons and will pick up a trade paperback if something looks particularly interesting or cool.

Any suggestions?

I haven't been reading it, but Deadshot was shipped off to the Salvation Run planet after having done in the Trickster in Countdown. I've heard decent things about Salvation Run (started by Bill Willingham and finished by Matt Sturges, the guys behind Fables/Jack of Fables/Shadowpact) and will possibly pick it up in trade.

The books I've been most enjoying lately are Blue Beetle, Booster Gold (both have a good bit of humor), JSA, the Green Lantern books (Sinestro Corps War). I've also liked the Countdown to Mystery mini, especially the late Steve Gerber's ( :( ) Dr. Fate half of the book (the other half is an Eclipso story written by...Matt Sturges).

I also heard good things about the Black Adam: The Dark Age mini, but haven't read it (though my LCS guy did pull it for me when it started...should have gone with that).

[FrogMan]

FrogMan: If you are going indy, try RASL by Jeff Smith (the man who gave us Bone). Issue one came out about a month ago. No idea where the story will go, but Smith gets a lifetime pass for Bone.

*Unsolicited Recommendation Alert*

If you have kids, buy Bone - Amazon has the one-volume edition, over 1300 pp for under $30. I have (and love) that version, but plan to buy the 9 (7 currently published) colored editions from Scholastic. Been reading a chapter or so every night to my almost-5-year old, and she loves it. Even got her a Fone Bone plush for Easter, she won't put him down :)

funny you mention it, I've had Bone on my radar screen for a little while now. Almost bought the One book about a month ago but went for a few other smaller things. I didn't even know they'd started putting out colored ones until I saw them on HeavyInk ($7.99 each only after rebate btw ;)). So they are on my wishlist.

I'd seen Rasl (http://heavyink.com/title/1848-Rasl) on there, read a couple of critics, saw a five page preview but got lazy and didn't add to my pull list. Long story short, they ran out of #1 but got some back in the middle of last week. My order for #1 has been placed and it's now on my pull list (http://heavyink.com/user/1355).

Neozoic (http://heavyink.com/title/576-Neozoic) is another Red 5 title (publisher of Atomic Robo) that I'm waiting to receive my copies.

Oh, and I'm currently reading the first trade of Fell (http://heavyink.com/graphic_novel/3273-Fell-Vol-1) by Warren Ellis. Outsanding stuff! Each issue is only 16 pages but Ellis packs them tight, most of them in 9 panels pages. Great detective stories... Couple reviews from HeavyInk members on this page (http://heavyink.com/title/536-Fell).

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

I haven't been reading it, but Deadshot was shipped off to the Salvation Run planet after having done in the Trickster in Countdown. I've heard decent things about Salvation Run (started by Bill Willingham and finished by Matt Sturges, the guys behind Fables/Jack of Fables/Shadowpact) and will possibly pick it up in trade.

I ran across a discussion of Countdown and Salvation Run somewhere in the internets and was definitely interested.

Apparently, George R.R. Martin (Song of Ice & Fire and Wildcards) came up with the idea for Salvation Run and Willingham executed it - well, until he had some sort of nervous breakdown or something - and Sturges took it over. Considering Deadshot's playing some role and two of my favorite writers - Martin and Willingham - were/are involved to some extent, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll pick it up when it comes out in trade.

Let me know your thoughs if you grab it. I'll be sure to do the same.

I really loved Villians United, but wasn't that thrilled with the Secret Six series that followed it up.

[cuervo72]

I ran across a discussion of Countdown and Salvation Run somewhere in the internets and was definitely interested.

Apparently, George R.R. Martin (Song of Ice & Fire and Wildcards) came up with the idea for Salvation Run and Willingham executed it - well, until he had some sort of nervous breakdown or something - and Sturges took it over. Considering Deadshot's playing some role and two of my favorite writers - Martin and Willingham - were/are involved to some extent, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll pick it up when it comes out in trade.

Let me know your thoughs if you grab it. I'll be sure to do the same.

I really loved Villians United, but wasn't that thrilled with the Secret Six series that followed it up.

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9388) is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

[Honolulu_Blue]

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9388) is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

Thanks for the head's up! This looks super sweet. I love Fables and Jack of Fables.

[FrogMan]

Hmm, if you're a Willingham fan House of Mystery (http://www.dccomics.com/comics/?cm=9388) is probably worth a look when it starts in May (I'll be trying it out).

that's also one I'll be checking out

FM

[cuervo72]

Oh - one other book I forgot to mention was Darwyn Cooke's run on The Spirit. He left the book a couple months ago though.

[WVUFAN]

I ran across a discussion of Countdown and Salvation Run somewhere in the internets and was definitely interested.

Apparently, George R.R. Martin (Song of Ice & Fire and Wildcards) came up with the idea for Salvation Run and Willingham executed it - well, until he had some sort of nervous breakdown or something - and Sturges took it over. Considering Deadshot's playing some role and two of my favorite writers - Martin and Willingham - were/are involved to some extent, it's pretty much guaranteed I'll pick it up when it comes out in trade.

Let me know your thoughs if you grab it. I'll be sure to do the same.

I really loved Villians United, but wasn't that thrilled with the Secret Six series that followed it up.

I'd love to see Martin do a mainstream comic.

[hukarez]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

I've been picking up the Green Lantern hardcovers as of late - sad to say though, I haven't gotten around to reading them yet! I just barely opened up my hardcover Voltron omnibus the other night.

[cuervo72]

I will pretty much read anything that has Deadshot in. Since he's a pretty minor character in the DC Universe, however, that's a very narrow range. (Suicide Squad, Villians United, Secret Six, etc.)

From a recent Jeff Katz (Booster Gold) interview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13483#storyContinued):

What else do you want to work on?

Teen Titans, definitely. Suicide Squad, which is also the DC movie I most want to make. Here’s a weird one: Zatara. I’d like to do Zatara next, actually. Lobo. I would do “Brave and the Bold” in a heartbeat.

[Honolulu_Blue]

From a recent Jeff Katz (Booster Gold) interview (http://www.comicbookresources.com/news/newsitem.cgi?id=13483#storyContinued):

Huh. Interesting news. I'd love to see a movie based on "Suicide Squad". I think it's a great concept, but I imagine they would have to make some serious changes to it. What I liked most about the series is (1) the high body count and (2) the development and exploration of some of DC's lesser known/lower-level villians like Captain Boomerang, Deadshot, etc.

[WVUFAN]

Cuervo: I love Countdown right now. I'm more than curious what Morrison's gonna do on Final Crisis, and my favorite title right now is JSA. The art is the best in comics right now.

Back to Marvel, though, I just got Secret Invasion a week or so ago, and I'm more than intrigued with where the writer is going with this. I'm curious if any of you have picked it up and your opinions of it.

[cuervo72]

Wow...you *do*? Heh. For me it's just kinda...there. No real thrill, just "yeah...ok then" reactions. FC should be interesting, but I wonder just how many toys Morrison is going to break.

I'm with you on JSA - love Eaglesham's work (and uh, Johns isn't doing so bad either ;) ).

Also, I would encourage everyone to try Blue Beetle! Just good clean fun. The first trade was ok, but it really got going from there and lead to a great #25 last month (the culmination of basically a two-year overarc). Unfortunately, it's changing writers (TV writer John Rogers is moving to another, not-yet-announced book). But the good news (for me anyway) is that the new writer is going to be Matt Sturges (assuming the title continues for any length of time, which has been hotly debated).

[kurtism]

With cuervo on Countdown and Blue Beetle. I read Countdown, but given the talent working on it, I view the run as a HUGE disappointment - particularly when measured against the success of 52. Oh well, I am getting my hopes up for the next DC weekly anyway. Busiek and Bagley on the main story, Fabian Nicieza and Busiek on the backups with artists like Derenick and Scott McDaniel.

As for changing writers, that has to be my biggest frustration in comics. I get into a few books based solely on the character, but for the most part, I really enjoy the work of certain authors. If Johns, or Gail, or Brubaker are on a book, odds are that I'll love it. Seeing Rogers move off of Blue Beetle, or Bru and Fraction off of Iron Fist (brilliant) makes me fear a very real dropoff in the quality of the book...

[Bonegavel]

/looks around for any trace of DC fans (besides Kurt)

I like DC (and Vertigo). I only get Astonishing Xmen, well, did, I guess it's over and even that wasn't all that great.

Really loving Fables/Jack of Fables. Great stuff.

[cuervo72]

With cuervo on Countdown and Blue Beetle. I read Countdown, but given the talent working on it, I view the run as a HUGE disappointment - particularly when measured against the success of 52. Oh well, I am getting my hopes up for the next DC weekly anyway. Busiek and Bagley on the main story, Fabian Nicieza and Busiek on the backups with artists like Derenick and Scott McDaniel.

As for changing writers, that has to be my biggest frustration in comics. I get into a few books based solely on the character, but for the most part, I really enjoy the work of certain authors. If Johns, or Gail, or Brubaker are on a book, odds are that I'll love it. Seeing Rogers move off of Blue Beetle, or Bru and Fraction off of Iron Fist (brilliant) makes me fear a very real dropoff in the quality of the book...

Unlike Kurt, I'm not as excited about Trinity...not because of the team or that the book won't be good, but because I'd rather try out other monthlies (that will probably not involve Superman or Batman...I aim for the fringes ;) ). I will likely pick up the trades though as I did with 52.

Agreed on writers. I can't figure if the industry wants readers following writers or not. They move them on and off to try to boost sales, but it does seem to lessen the importance of their characters compared to the creators. Stability would be nice, but it doesn't seem like the writers even want that (I had a rambling post at the 'Rama about this, and how it's similar to college coaching, where talent = coaches and books = schools). Anyway...I followed Simone from BoP to WW, I'll follow Rogers to whatever his new projects are, and I'll probably pick up 90% of what Johns writes. And I'll hope the other books don't suffer. All New-Atom changed a bit in tone (and was just canceled, though rumor has it is leading into something else), Birds has been not quite the same. Hopefully Blue Beetle and then Booster Gold will do ok with Rogers and Johns/Katz moving on, but you never know.

(Oh, and Derenick - liked his stuff in both Shadowpact and Countdown, I hope DC keeps him around for a while.)

[FrogMan]

I only get Astonishing Xmen, well, did, I guess it's over and even that wasn't all that great.

Just so you know, Astonishing X-Men will start again (http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=9072) with #25 in July with Warren Ellis writing and Simone Bianchi drawing it.

FM

[kurtism]

Just so you know, Astonishing X-Men will start again (http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=9072) with #25 in July with Warren Ellis writing and Simone Bianchi drawing it.

FM

And Whedon's story will conclude with another Giant Size... not sure when it will come out, though.

[FrogMan]

And Whedon's story will conclude with another Giant Size... not sure when it will come out, though.

oh, didn't know about it. Only read the first two trades of it, then drifted away always meaning to go buy back the next trades...

That the one Giant Size?
http://marvel.com/catalog/Giant-size%20Astonishing%20X-men

FWIW, it says May 21 in there, although it could always be pushed back for whatever reason...

FM

[WVUFAN]

Wow...you *do*? Heh. For me it's just kinda...there. No real thrill, just "yeah...ok then" reactions. FC should be interesting, but I wonder just how many toys Morrison is going to break.


I like Countdown for the Mary Marvel storyline. I like the journey from the dark side and back ... and now I guess to the dark side again.

[cuervo72]

Eh...if you can believe that Mary was desperate enough to go evil again that easily. But other things...


Piper happening to have the ALE inside of him? Wha?

Holly & Harley - story line felt largely pointless.

The Great Disaster. So all 52 monitors are so concerned about multiverse hopping, because they have to stop The Great Disaster from happening. And the GD ends up being the destruction of one Earth...that just happened to have been reconstituted from the same universe that was destroyed just what, a dozen issues prior? Whaaa?? They cared so much why again?

Jason Todd. Along to provide some friction within the Challengers group I guess, but other than that didn't seem to serve much of a purpose.


Just my general take. I mean, I've been buying it and reading it first off the pile each week (guess a weekly will do that), but the story...well, could have been better.

[kurtism]

I mentioned Ed Brubaker above, and then today on Popmatters.com, they reviewed Vol. 2 of Criminal (by Bru and Sean Phillips). Putting the two together reminded me of one of my alltime favorite miniseries, Sleeper.

While Sleeper is set in the Wildstorm universe, people utterly ignorant of that comics world can read this series without fear. There are references to Wildstorm characters and events, but they serve as more "local color" and depth than anything else. The real focus of the story is on a hero, Holden Carver, sent deep undercover into the criminal underground.

Brilliant writing, brilliant art, and some of the best characterization I can recall. Four TPB volumes, you can have the entire story in your hand for under $50 at Amazon (probably slightly less at Overstock).

[law90026]

I picked up the Sinestro Corps War (Green Lantern) trade recently, liked it a lot. Cosmic battle on a grand scale if you like that kind of thing.

[Bonegavel]

Eh...if you can believe that Mary was desperate enough to go evil again that easily. But other things...

Just my general take. I mean, I've been buying it and reading it first off the pile each week (guess a weekly will do that), but the story...well, could have been better.

I agree. To me, Countdown feels empty. I'm trying to keep up with it all but they are just doing too much IMHO.

I know they care about content and story but they are obviously most interested in pumping out as much shit as they can and if the stories turn out decent they are happy.

The biggest thing that I think would make for a whole lot of awesomeness is if they would just grow some balls and let their super heroes grow old, die, and be replaced. I can see some being immortal or ageing slowly, but it would be much better if they would, for example, let Bruce Wayne just grow the hell old and die already.

I realize that these are mega-million dollar characters (movie wise) but I've only been back into comics for the last 3-4 years and they just keep regurgitating the same old shit over and over (shocker!) especially time travel which I hate the most though I do realize that it is the cornerstone of super hero comics.

The Watchmen and Fables have shown me what comics could be and I think it would be awesome if DC would let their universe move in this direction (which they never will).

Something with the 52 universe configuration that I thought would be awesome is if they could designate a few of the 52 u's to, say, Vertigo and let them have a more edgy take on the A-list characters. Give Alan Moore a universe of his own in which to re-imagine the DCU in his image - this would be probably the best thing ever. Give one to Frank Miller and take off the shackles.

As long as they were kept separate, I don't see how this would be anything but good for DC.

[Raiders Army]

Blackest Night in Green Lantern next year looks pretty good. I've re-read the Sinestro Wars and it kicks the shit outta anything Marvel has done lately.

[Honolulu_Blue]

The Watchmen and Fables have shown me what comics could be and I think it would be awesome if DC would let their universe move in this direction (which they never will).

No. They wont. They would never let their characters take that kind of turn and I also think it's just a question of talent. Alan Moore and Willingham are two of the best comic authors out there. They generate amazing stuff.

This is one of the reasons why, over the last 10 years or so, I stopped collecting run of the mill series and have really been following writers around. I will still grab the occassional Marvel/DC mini-series (I bought some Civil War stuff, Identity Crisis, Villians United, that Modak's 11 book or whatever it was called, etc.) if the story seems solid enough or if it involves characters I like. More often than not, however, I will buy a book or a series based on the wrtier. I'll buy Brian K. Vaugh (Y, Ex Machina, Runaways, his new Wolverine story), Alan Moore (so long as it's not his weird porn stuff), Willingham (Fables/Jack), Whedon (Astonishing X-Men, Buffy, Runaways), Warren Ellis (Transmet), Garth Ennis (Preacher/Hellblazer), Straczynski (Supreme Powers Rising Stars), and the like.

[cuervo72]

Deadshot alert! ;)

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=154269

NRAMA: So who are the "six" this time? The "six" of the title has always been somewhat flexible, and things kind of fell apart in their last appearance. So who are we looking at? Have to say, it's darn near impossible to think of the Six without Catman...

GS: Right. It wouldn't be the Six without Catman, Deadshot, Scandal, and Ragdoll. But beyond that, we have an a-list Bat-villain, and then a new character, a female, who is hot beyond reason. We're already nuts about her. She's simply the sexiest thing to come down the pike in a while, and she'll happily twist your head off for you if you look at her askance. She makes even Deadshot nervous!

[Honolulu_Blue]

Deadshot alert! ;)

http://forum.newsarama.com/showthread.php?t=154269

Thanks for keeping me updated! Keep 'em coming.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Any of you guys been reading Dark Horse's "Umbrella Academy"?

It's supposed to be excellent.

[kurtism]

Pushing what remains my favorite superhero book of all time, finally getting the treatment it deserves from DC - Starman. This month they release the first of six omnibus hardcover editions covering the entire run of a masterful book. Pretty good deal available now from Overstock - http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Starman-Omnibus-Vol.-1/2882076/product.html - only $30 for a $50 cover price hardback. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't read this, BUY THIS BOOK.

[Bonegavel]

My local dude was trying to push something called "....pussy." I forget what the first half was but the cover had 2 women on it.

[kurtism]

Probably Glamourpuss, by Dave Sim. I'm sure I'll check out issue one, but he lost me long ago when Cerebus went from comedy to polemic.

[Bonegavel]

Probably Glamourpuss, by Dave Sim. I'm sure I'll check out issue one, but he lost me long ago when Cerebus went from comedy to polemic.

Ah! Yes.. hehe, pussy. I was thinking Octopussy. And yes, he asked me if I'd read Cerebus, which I hadn't.

[edit] I had to look up polemic :)

[kurtism]

Cerebus was great for a long time; started out a Conan spoof, developed into comic commentary on subjects as diverse as superheroes, politics, religion, and then devolved into Dave Sim lashing out at things he didn't like, which for quite a while was women (his then-recent divorce might have factored into the equation). Either way, the High Society and Church & State "phone books" are well worth their low price for an entertaining diversion...

[cuervo72]

Pushing what remains my favorite superhero book of all time, finally getting the treatment it deserves from DC - Starman. This month they release the first of six omnibus hardcover editions covering the entire run of a masterful book. Pretty good deal available now from Overstock - http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Starman-Omnibus-Vol.-1/2882076/product.html - only $30 for a $50 cover price hardback. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't read this, BUY THIS BOOK.

Ordered.

(Of course, I didn't tell my wife this was one of six when asking for her Overstock login. ;) )

[kurtism]

Excellent. You will be assimilated.

What, pray tell, were the other 5?

[FrogMan]

I hate retarded stores that don't ship to Canada, like Overstock... :(

FM

[Honolulu_Blue]

Excellent. You will be assimilated.

What, pray tell, were the other 5?

I would imagine the other 5 omnibus hardcover editions. But that's just a guess.

[kurtism]

I hate retarded stores that don't ship to Canada, like Overstock... :(

FM

Only about $1.50 more from Amazon.

[FrogMan]

Only about $1.50 more from Amazon.

yeah, I know, even better with amazon.ca at cdn$33, which with a 1.045 exchange rate makes it about even with overstock. Was showing my frustration with stores that don't ship to Canada. Happens just way too often which is not acceptable in this day and age, sigh...

Abuot Starman, can't help but feel it looks a whole lot like Ex Machina, probably only because it's Tony Harris who's drawing it... Just like his "Spider-Man with great power" series looked a lot like Ex Machina, heh...

FM

[WVUFAN]

Anyone else read DC Universe #0?

[FrogMan]

Anyone else read DC Universe #0?

I have not, it's in the mail, but the reviews I'm seeing are not all that good...

FM

[cuervo72]

I would imagine the other 5 omnibus hardcover editions. But that's just a guess.

Right - I didn't tell her I'd be ordering five more times in the future.

[FrogMan]

didn't want to start a new thread but figured the comic books thread was as good as any for a comics related t-shirts. Just ordered one of the those last night, currently on sale for $10 at threadless.com (http://www.threadless.com/product/1078/The_Beginning?streetteam=QcFrogMan).

Here's the real beginning of Batman:
http://media.threadless.com//product/1078/zoom.gif (http://www.threadless.com/product/1078/The_Beginning?streetteam=QcFrogMan)



:D

Please use this link as a referral if you wanna order one. (http://www.threadless.com/product/1078/The_Beginning?streetteam=QcFrogMan)

FM

[kurtism]

Read "Trinity" #1 this morning. Busiek and Bagley hitting on all cylinders - definitely a return to the good form of 52 IMO. Backup story by Nicieza and McDaniel was also strong.

[Raiders Army]

Dola ...

I usually get my stuff from tcbulk.com for comic supplies. Using your example above:

1000 Modern Comic Backing boards -- $46.00
1000 Modern Resealable Comic Bags -- $32.50
10 long boxes -- $24.00

Shipping -- $40.50

TOTAL: $143.00 -- and you get double what you ordered. Regular comic bags are cheaper, but I love the resealables, since you don't have to put tape on them.

www.tcbulk.com

Got some more supplies today. Thanks!

[cubboyroy1826]

Who do most of you guys order your comics from each month and are there any price breaks or is it pretty much list price?

[WVUFAN]

Who do most of you guys order your comics from each month and are there any price breaks or is it pretty much list price?

I order from Heavy Ink. 20% off cover price and shipping is free no matter how many comics you subscribe to. I know FrogMan is a member of Heavy Ink too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

[FrogMan]

I order from Heavy Ink. 20% off cover price and shipping is free no matter how many comics you subscribe to. I know FrogMan is a member of Heavy Ink too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

oh heck yeah, can't recommend it enough either. Great people, great service, easily configurable, you can cancel anything up to the minute they start pulling it. Seriously, very nice place. Add to that a nice, growing community, with mini-blogs standard with your profile.

Check my user page if you want to have an idea:
www.heavyink.com/frogman (http://www.heavyink.com/frogman)

Only negative is that all the comic book talking has made my pull list swell to a pretty big size. :eek: On the other hand, I've discovered so many new series and I'm having quite a bit of fun. :)

FM

[Raiders Army]

I'm with Mile High Comics, but they just piss me off. The problem is, I can't determine when is a good time to switch over to Heavy Ink.

[FrogMan]

I'm with Mile High Comics, but they just piss me off. The problem is, I can't determine when is a good time to switch over to Heavy Ink.

Not sure if that helps you but you can start your subscription to any series with any future issues that has been solicited. For example, I wanted to get the two issues of Robin that will be part of the Batman RIP storyline (#175 & 176) so I subscribed to it "starting with issue #175". I could also have simply put in an order for those two issues and it would have worked just as well.

Feel free to ask any question and make sure to let us know if you ever sign up so I can add you to my friend list.

FM

[FrogMan]

dola, you can also start any subscription with any recent back issue that is showing up as being available.

FM

[cubboyroy1826]

Thanks for the info. I had used Mile High a long time ago when i was in the military. I gave my comic collection to my brother in law in a temporary moment of insanity, you know the one with the first Xmen, Spider Man and Punisher issues tucked away in nice bags. Oh and if that was not bad enough i had gotten bored with Magic and gave him my Magic card which included three copies of the original set plus other promos from the 1st Gencon when Magic came out. I am sure the kid hocked them later to support his alcohol habit.

[cubboyroy1826]

Okay i started looking at the Marvel comics, what is with the whole disassembled thing?

[Raiders Army]

Not sure if that helps you but you can start your subscription to any series with any future issues that has been solicited. For example, I wanted to get the two issues of Robin that will be part of the Batman RIP storyline (#175 & 176) so I subscribed to it "starting with issue #175". I could also have simply put in an order for those two issues and it would have worked just as well.

Feel free to ask any question and make sure to let us know if you ever sign up so I can add you to my friend list.

FM

Thanks. I'm going to cancel and see where I fall in the last issues I get from MHC and then subscribe on there. I'll do it this week.

[FrogMan]

Thanks. I'm going to cancel and see where I fall in the last issues I get from MHC and then subscribe on there. I'll do it this week.

cool, good luck with the switch. :)

Here's an example of what I was saying earlier. I just found out that the second volume of the Noble Causes Archives (http://heavyink.com/graphic_novel/2396-Noble-Causes-Archives-Vol-2) wouldn't be released until way later in the Fall (from the mouth of writer Jay Faerber) and I didn't want to wait to get be caught up with it before reading the newly released issues. I had seen that heavyink had issues #32 to #34 of Noble Causes (http://heavyink.com/title/1921-Noble-Causes) in stock (and knowing that #32 is a nicely set jumping on point) so boom, clicked subscribe, set it to start with issue #32 and I'm set. They do a pull and ship routine on Mondays for back issues you happen to add over the weekend and so they did today. All three issues just shipped. Neat!. :cool:

Other than those Monday pull/ships, they usually get their comics on Wednesdays, like everyone else and they usually ship on Thursdays although somtimes will give you the surprise of shipping on Wednesday.

FM

[WVUFAN]

To add to that:

I usually get my books (I live in WV) on Monday, when they ship on Wednesday, sometimes on Saturday. That's with the free shipping.

A max 4 day turnaround for something you don't pay shipping for isn't bad.

[Raiders Army]

Nice. I likey. I'm aaron.l.montgomery on there. I called Mile High and canceled my NICE subscription with them (which is a misnomer of all sorts). I started up my subscriptions with Heavy Ink beginning in July. Hopefully everything will find me as we move.